What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gaze
Example
She gazed at the stars in wonder. [gazed: verb]
Example
He couldn't help but gaze at her beauty. [gaze: noun]
observe
Example
I like to observe nature and its beauty. [observe: verb]
Example
He observed the behavior of the animals in the zoo. [observed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Observe is more commonly used than gaze in everyday language. Observe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gaze is less common and more associated with personal or emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gaze and observe?
Observe is more formal than gaze. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts, while gaze is more informal and poetic.