observator

observator¹ observatory

Forms

observator n (plural observatoare)^[1] Older forms include observatoriu, as in a periodical of 1830: „Observatoriul astronomic” “the astronomical observatory”.^[2][3]

Etymology

The word for the observatory is borrowed from New Latin observatorium; the dictionaries name French observatoire and German Observatorium as possible sources together with the Latin word.^[3][4][2][1] Tiktin names only the Latin and the French words,^[5] and Scriban the scientific Latin one.^[6]

The French word is recorded from 1667.^[7] The German word is a learned New Latin formation recorded from Leibniz in 1699.^[8] Kluge thinks it was probably modelled on the French word; it is formed on Latin observō (“to watch, heed”), from ob- and servō (“to keep, watch”).^[9]

Earliest recorded meaning

Tiktin dates the neuter noun to 1814.^[5] MDA2 and DLR first find it in a periodical of 1830, as observatoriul astronomic “the astronomical observatory”.^[3][2]

Semantic evolution

The first sense is the building for astronomical and weather observations, and the institution housed in it.^[3][4] Valian's vocabulary glosses observatoriu as “astronomical tower”, and Poni wrote of meteorological observatories with self-recording thermometers.^[2] The word was then extended to any place set up for watching a wide area, such as an artillery observation post.^[10][11]

Timeline

• 1814 – the first record.^[5]
• 1830 – observatoriul astronomic in the press.^[3][2]
• 1846 – observatoriu in the newspaper Universul.^[2]

Meanings

Noun

1. An observatory: a building equipped for scientific observation of celestial bodies and of astronomical and meteorological phenomena; the institution housed in it: observator astronomic.^[4][3]
2. A place set up for watching what happens over a great distance around, which shelters the observers and their instruments: observator de artilerie.^[4][10]

observator² observer

Forms

observator m (plural observatori, feminine equivalent observatoare)^[1]

Etymology

The word for the observer is borrowed from French observateur, with Latin observātor (“watcher”) named as a second source.^{[4][12][3][5][1]} It can also be read as observa with the agent suffix -tor.^[1]

The Latin noun, “one who watches over something, an observer”, is formed on observō (“to watch, heed”) with an agent suffix.^[13][14]

Earliest recorded meaning

The first record is Ioan Sibineanu's book on the comet of 1834, printed at Buda, in the sense “person who observes”.^[3][5][12]

Semantic evolution

Negulici's dictionary of neologisms (1848) gives it as a noun of both genders: one who pays attention, watches over something, or obeys the laws.^[15] The sense of keeping a rule lasted into the 20th century, observator al legilor “one who keeps the laws”,^[16][17] but the scientific and literary sense won out: Maiorescu called Caragiale a ruthless observer.^[12] The adjective “observant, perceptive” appears in Russo and Gherea.^[10] Diplomacy and the army gave the modern senses of a non-voting delegate and of a soldier who watches the enemy.^[4][3]

Timeline

• 1833 – in Sibineanu's book on the comet.^[5][3]
• 1848 – in Negulici's dictionary of neologisms.^[15]
• 1870 – in Costinescu's dictionary, with French observateur.^[18]
• 1886 – in Barcianu's dictionary, with German Beobachter.^[19]

Meanings

Noun

1. A person who observes, examines or studies something; a person with a gift for observation.^[4][3]
2. An observer: a representative of a state or international organization who attends conferences or international bodies without a vote.^[4][3]
3. (military) A soldier who observes the enemy.^[4][3]

Adjective

1. Observing, searching; perceptive, keen.^[4][10]
2. (dated) Drawing someone's attention to an abuse or mistake: ordin observator, a written reprimand.^[4][10]