Is there a word for 'to watch something change'? Specifically, observing something that is in the process of...












17















I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?



Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.










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  • 3





    Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

    – AbraCadaver
    Jan 15 at 21:18













  • "Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

    – Mazura
    Jan 17 at 20:34
















17















I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?



Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.










share|improve this question


















  • 3





    Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

    – AbraCadaver
    Jan 15 at 21:18













  • "Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

    – Mazura
    Jan 17 at 20:34














17












17








17


1






I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?



Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.










share|improve this question














I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?



Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.







single-word-requests






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Jan 14 at 13:17









ShanShan

8613




8613








  • 3





    Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

    – AbraCadaver
    Jan 15 at 21:18













  • "Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

    – Mazura
    Jan 17 at 20:34














  • 3





    Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

    – AbraCadaver
    Jan 15 at 21:18













  • "Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

    – Mazura
    Jan 17 at 20:34








3




3





Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18







Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?

– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18















"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34





"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."

– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















46














Monitor is the word you are looking for.




verb

1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries







share|improve this answer


























  • Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

    – user234461
    Jan 15 at 17:36













  • Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

    – Neo Darwin
    Jan 15 at 19:00






  • 1





    @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

    – barbecue
    Jan 15 at 19:03











  • @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

    – user234461
    Jan 16 at 11:51






  • 1





    I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

    – TrevorD
    Jan 16 at 15:40



















20














It would be 'to track'.



According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:




Track



Transitive verb



1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL



b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source



2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE



b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.







share|improve this answer

































    3














    The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.



    From OED v4:




    study, v.



    10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
    series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
    problem).



    b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
    look at as if examining minutely.




    This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.






    share|improve this answer































      0














      "I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



      document. TFD




      To methodically record the details of:







      share|improve this answer































        0














        I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.



        I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...




        Contemplate



        transitive verb



        1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on




        In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.



        "James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."






        share|improve this answer
























          protected by tchrist Jan 15 at 12:41



          Thank you for your interest in this question.
          Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



          Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?














          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes








          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes









          46














          Monitor is the word you are looking for.




          verb

          1.
          observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
          Oxford Dictionaries







          share|improve this answer


























          • Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

            – user234461
            Jan 15 at 17:36













          • Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

            – Neo Darwin
            Jan 15 at 19:00






          • 1





            @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

            – barbecue
            Jan 15 at 19:03











          • @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

            – user234461
            Jan 16 at 11:51






          • 1





            I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

            – TrevorD
            Jan 16 at 15:40
















          46














          Monitor is the word you are looking for.




          verb

          1.
          observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
          Oxford Dictionaries







          share|improve this answer


























          • Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

            – user234461
            Jan 15 at 17:36













          • Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

            – Neo Darwin
            Jan 15 at 19:00






          • 1





            @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

            – barbecue
            Jan 15 at 19:03











          • @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

            – user234461
            Jan 16 at 11:51






          • 1





            I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

            – TrevorD
            Jan 16 at 15:40














          46












          46








          46







          Monitor is the word you are looking for.




          verb

          1.
          observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
          Oxford Dictionaries







          share|improve this answer















          Monitor is the word you are looking for.




          verb

          1.
          observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
          Oxford Dictionaries








          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Jan 14 at 18:36









          Laurel

          32.2k662114




          32.2k662114










          answered Jan 14 at 14:04









          Neo DarwinNeo Darwin

          53015




          53015













          • Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

            – user234461
            Jan 15 at 17:36













          • Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

            – Neo Darwin
            Jan 15 at 19:00






          • 1





            @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

            – barbecue
            Jan 15 at 19:03











          • @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

            – user234461
            Jan 16 at 11:51






          • 1





            I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

            – TrevorD
            Jan 16 at 15:40



















          • Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

            – user234461
            Jan 15 at 17:36













          • Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

            – Neo Darwin
            Jan 15 at 19:00






          • 1





            @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

            – barbecue
            Jan 15 at 19:03











          • @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

            – user234461
            Jan 16 at 11:51






          • 1





            I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

            – TrevorD
            Jan 16 at 15:40

















          Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

          – user234461
          Jan 15 at 17:36







          Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.

          – user234461
          Jan 15 at 17:36















          Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

          – Neo Darwin
          Jan 15 at 19:00





          Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461

          – Neo Darwin
          Jan 15 at 19:00




          1




          1





          @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

          – barbecue
          Jan 15 at 19:03





          @user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.

          – barbecue
          Jan 15 at 19:03













          @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

          – user234461
          Jan 16 at 11:51





          @barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.

          – user234461
          Jan 16 at 11:51




          1




          1





          I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

          – TrevorD
          Jan 16 at 15:40





          I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!

          – TrevorD
          Jan 16 at 15:40













          20














          It would be 'to track'.



          According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:




          Track



          Transitive verb



          1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL



          b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source



          2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE



          b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.







          share|improve this answer






























            20














            It would be 'to track'.



            According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:




            Track



            Transitive verb



            1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL



            b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source



            2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE



            b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.







            share|improve this answer




























              20












              20








              20







              It would be 'to track'.



              According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:




              Track



              Transitive verb



              1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL



              b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source



              2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE



              b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.







              share|improve this answer















              It would be 'to track'.



              According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:




              Track



              Transitive verb



              1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL



              b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source



              2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE



              b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.








              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Jan 14 at 18:37









              Laurel

              32.2k662114




              32.2k662114










              answered Jan 14 at 14:10









              user307254user307254

              1




              1























                  3














                  The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.



                  From OED v4:




                  study, v.



                  10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
                  series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
                  problem).



                  b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
                  look at as if examining minutely.




                  This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.






                  share|improve this answer




























                    3














                    The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.



                    From OED v4:




                    study, v.



                    10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
                    series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
                    problem).



                    b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
                    look at as if examining minutely.




                    This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.






                    share|improve this answer


























                      3












                      3








                      3







                      The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.



                      From OED v4:




                      study, v.



                      10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
                      series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
                      problem).



                      b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
                      look at as if examining minutely.




                      This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.






                      share|improve this answer













                      The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.



                      From OED v4:




                      study, v.



                      10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
                      series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
                      problem).



                      b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
                      look at as if examining minutely.




                      This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Jan 14 at 22:04









                      AkselAAkselA

                      1414




                      1414























                          0














                          "I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



                          document. TFD




                          To methodically record the details of:







                          share|improve this answer




























                            0














                            "I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



                            document. TFD




                            To methodically record the details of:







                            share|improve this answer


























                              0












                              0








                              0







                              "I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



                              document. TFD




                              To methodically record the details of:







                              share|improve this answer













                              "I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."



                              document. TFD




                              To methodically record the details of:








                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Jan 14 at 17:35









                              lbflbf

                              20.4k22573




                              20.4k22573























                                  0














                                  I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.



                                  I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...




                                  Contemplate



                                  transitive verb



                                  1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on




                                  In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.



                                  "James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."






                                  share|improve this answer






























                                    0














                                    I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.



                                    I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...




                                    Contemplate



                                    transitive verb



                                    1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on




                                    In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.



                                    "James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."






                                    share|improve this answer




























                                      0












                                      0








                                      0







                                      I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.



                                      I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...




                                      Contemplate



                                      transitive verb



                                      1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on




                                      In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.



                                      "James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."






                                      share|improve this answer















                                      I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.



                                      I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...




                                      Contemplate



                                      transitive verb



                                      1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on




                                      In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.



                                      "James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."







                                      share|improve this answer














                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer








                                      edited Jan 15 at 19:39

























                                      answered Jan 15 at 19:34









                                      barbecuebarbecue

                                      4,5071127




                                      4,5071127

















                                          protected by tchrist Jan 15 at 12:41



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                                          Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



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