Observation vs. Watching — What's the Difference?

Observation is the active acquisition of information from a primary source. In living beings, observation employs the senses.

To look or observe attentively or carefully; be closely observant

The act of observing

To look and wait expectantly or in anticipation

The power or faculty of observing.

To act as a spectator; look on

The fact of being observed

To stay awake at night while serving as a guard, sentinel, or watcher.

The act or process of perceiving something, such as a phenomenon, often by means of an instrument, and making a record of the resulting information.

To stay alert as a devotional or religious exercise; keep vigil.

The result or record of such an act or process

To look at steadily; observe carefully or continuously

An inference, judgment, or remark that is made by observing

To guard, keep surveillance on, or spy on

The act of observing, and the fact of being observed (see observance)

To observe the course of mentally; keep up on or informed about

The act of noting and recording some event; or the record of such noting.

To pay close attention to or be careful about, especially with regard to propriety

A remark or comment.

To tend or take care of (children or a flock of sheep, for example).

A judgement based on observing.

Present participle of watch

Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance.

The act of one who watches.

A regime under which a subject is routinely observed.

The act of observing; taking a patient look

Philosophically as: the phenomenal presence of human being existence.

(stochastics) A realization of a random variable.

The act or the faculty of observing or taking notice; the act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything.

The result of an act, or of acts, of observing; view; reflection; conclusion; judgment.

An expression of an opinion or judgment upon what one has observed; a remark.

Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance.

The act of recognizing and noting some fact or occurrence in nature, as an aurora, a corona, or the structure of an animal.

The act of making and recording a measurement

The act of observing; taking a patient look

Facts learned by observing;

The act of noticing or paying attention;

A remark expressing careful consideration