VocabDictionary

observatory

/əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A building or structure equipped with instruments, such as telescopes, for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena.

Example Sentences:
  • The astronomers spent the night at the mountain observatory tracking the movement of distant galaxies.
  • The city's old observatory has been converted into a public museum for science education.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “observatory”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'observatorius', meaning 'pertaining to watching or observing', which stems from the verb 'observare' (to watch over, note, or heed). The suffix '-ory' denotes a place used for a specific purpose.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of an 'observe-a-story' place: a building where you watch the stars tell the story of the universe.

Frequently Asked Questions About “observatory

1. What is the meaning of “observatory” in English?

In English, observatory (noun) is defined as: “A building or structure equipped with instruments, such as telescopes, for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena.”.

2. How do you use “observatory” in a sentence?

The astronomers spent the night at the mountain observatory tracking the movement of distant galaxies.

3. What are English synonyms of “observatory”?

Common synonyms include:lookout,viewpoint,planetarium,station

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “observatory”?

Derived from the Latin 'observatorius', meaning 'pertaining to watching or observing', which stems from the verb 'observare' (to watch over, note, or heed). The suffix '-ory' denotes a place used for a specific purpose.