Observer vs. Onlooker — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Observer and Onlooker
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Definitions
Observer
One who observes
An observer of local customs.
Observers of religious holidays.
Onlooker
One that looks on; a spectator or bystander.
Observer
One who is sent to observe and report on events or proceedings without directly participating in them.
Onlooker
A spectator; someone looks on or watches, without becoming involved or participating.
I wasn’t involved in the fight; I was only an onlooker.
Observer
A crew member on a military aircraft who makes observations.
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Onlooker
Someone who looks on
Observer
A member of an armed force who watches and reports from an observation post.
Observer
One who makes observations, monitors or takes notice
Most impartial observers agreed that Sampras had not served well.
Observer
One who adheres or follows laws, guidelines, etc.
I shall be an observer of the local customs.
Observer
A person sent as a representative, to a meeting or other function to monitor but not to participate
The UN sent many observers to the country's first elections.
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Observer
A country or other entity which has limited participation rights within an organization.
The Vatican and Palestine have observer status at the UN.
Observer
(military) A crew member on an aircraft who makes observations of enemy positions or aircraft
The only crew-member to survive the crash was the Canadian observer.
Observer
(military) A sentry etc. manning an observation post
We waited till dusk when the observers' vision was poorest.
Observer
One who observes, or pays attention to, anything; especially, one engaged in, or trained to habits of, close and exact observation; as, an astronomical observer.
The observed of all observers.
Careful observers may foretell the hour,By sure prognostic, when to dread a shower.
Observer
One who keeps any law, custom, regulation, rite, etc.; one who conforms to anything in practice.
These . . . hearkened unto observers of times.
Observer
One who fulfills or performs; as, an observer of his promises.
Observer
A sycophantic follower.
Observer
A person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
Observer
An expert who observes and comments on something
