Basic Details
Word: Observance
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The act of following rules, customs, or practices, often related to traditions or laws.
Synonyms: Compliance, adherence, observatory
Antonyms: Disregard, neglect, violation
Idioms and Phrases
- Observe the letter of the law: To follow the laws or rules exactly as they are written, without any flexibility. Example: "He may seem strict, but he just wants us to observe the letter of the law in all our activities."
- In observance of: To show respect for a holiday or tradition by participating in activities related to it. Example: "In observance of the New Year, the town held a big celebration with fireworks."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Our school has a special observance to celebrate Earth Day each year by planting trees.
Example 2: The church had a formal observance of the national holiday with prayers and hymns.
Example 3: Each country has its own unique observance of traditional festivals that reflect its culture.
Fun Fact
The word "observance" comes from Middle English, which derived from the Latin word "observantia," meaning "to watch over or to preserve." This reflects the concept of maintaining or upholding customs and laws.
Famous Quote
"Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through." Jonathan Swift
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "observance" mean?
a) The act of ignoring rules
b) The act of following rules or customs
c) A time for relaxation
d) A type of dance
Answer: b) The act of following rules or customs
2. Which of these is a synonym of "observance"?
a) Compliance
b) Rejection
c) Distrust
d) Disregard
Answer: a) Compliance
3. Which word is an antonym of "observance"?
a) Attention
b) Violation
c) Respect
d) Mindfulness
Answer: b) Violation
4. Which sentence uses "observance" correctly?
a) In observance of the holiday, we went shopping.
b) He showed great observance by ignoring the rules.
c) The observance of the rules was celebrated by breaking them.
d) She plans to observance the cake at the party.
Answer: a) In observance of the holiday, we went shopping.
5. Which idiom means to follow the rules exactly?
a) In observance of
b) Observe the letter of the law
c) Make a mountain out of a molehill
d) As easy as pie
Answer: b) Observe the letter of the law
