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observant

adjective/əbˈzərv(ə)nt/

definition

someone who notices details quickly, especially those that are less obvious

example

Being an observant parent is not only about watching your child's behavior but also taking note of any changes in mood or personality.

synonyms
attentiveperceptiveinsightful
word origin — late Middle English (as a noun): from French, literally ‘watching’, present participle of observer (see observe)

Advanced — Set 18

Set 18 of Advanced covers 5 words: observant, resourceful, humble, diligent, decisive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. observant · adjective/əbˈzərv(ə)nt/

    someone who notices details quickly, especially those that are less obvious

    Being an observant parent is not only about watching your child's behavior but also taking note of any changes in mood or personality.

    Synonyms: attentive, perceptive, insightful

    Origin: late Middle English (as a noun): from French, literally ‘watching’, present participle of observer (see observe)

  2. resourceful · adjective/rəˈsɔrsf(ə)l/

    good at finding practical solutions in challenging situations

    When the storm suddenly appeared, the resourceful mountain climbers were able to make a decent shelter with relatively few tools on hand.

    Synonyms: imaginative, creative, inventive

  3. humble · adjective/ˈhəmb(ə)l/

    modest, not arrogant or prideful

    Frederick was such a humble boy that he told his friends he was an ordinary artist, although he had actually won several awards for his drawings.

    Synonyms: modest, simple, unpretentious

    Origin: Middle English: from Old French, from Latin humilis ‘low, lowly’, from humus ‘ground’

  4. diligent · adjective/ˈdɪlədʒ(ə)nt/

    acting with great care and attention

    The new safety regulations require manufacturers to be more diligent about safety in their product design.

    Synonyms: thorough, hard-working

    Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin diligens, diligent- ‘assiduous’, from diligere ‘love, take delight in’

  5. decisive · adjective/dəˈsaɪsɪv/

    able to make quick and firm decisions; playing a key role

    Vanessa thanked her father for playing a decisive role in her getting into college and being granted a full scholarship.

    Synonyms: resolute, strong-willed; crucial

    Origin: early 17th century: from French décisif, -ive, from medieval Latin decisivus, from decis- ‘determined’, from the verb decidere (see decide)