observer

Someone who watches an event or situation, often without taking part.

• She was a silent observer.
• Several observers watched the game from the balcony.
• To a casual observer, everything looked normal.

Similar words: watcher, onlooker

Common phrases: casual observer, outside observer, silent observer, independent observer

Someone who follows a law, rule, or custom.

• She was an observer of local customs.
• Faithful observers of these rules avoided unnecessary arguments.
• He remained a dutiful observer of the family’s traditions.

How to use it: observer of something (He was a strict observer of religious customs.)

Similar words: follower

Common phrases: observer of customs, strict observer