English Explanatory Dictionary

observance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
  2. The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
  3. Observation or the act of watching.
  4. A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.
  5. That which is to be observed.
  6. Reverence; homage.

Pronunciation

əb-zûrʹvəns /əbˈzɝvəns/ /əbˈzɜːvəns/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-observance.wav

Word forms

observance observances observancy observaunce

Etymology

From Old French observance, from Latin observantia. Equivalent of observe + -ance.

Antonyms

misobservance

Derived words

disobservance hyperobservance inobservance misobservance nonobservance Sabbath observance unobservance
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