observance

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • (General American) enPR: əb-zûrʹvəns, IPA(key): /əbˈzɝvəns/
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /əbˈzɜːvəns/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Hyphenation: ob‧ser‧vance

Noun

observance (countable and uncountable, plural observances)

  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. (religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.
    Thomas Merton was a monk in the Order of Cistertians of the Strict Observance.
  5. That which is to be observed.
  6. Reverence; homage.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɔp.sɛʁ.vɑ̃s/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

observance f (plural observances)

  1. observance

References

Further reading