Since I seem to have developed some momentum here, this week I’ll discuss the difference between observance and observation.
Just as we observed last week (pun intended), these two words may seem identical to the less effective writer. Indeed, their meanings are closely related. However, more effective writers will recognize and respect the important differences.
Observance means the performance of a requirement. That requirement may spring from a societal custom or the law or even a sense of honor or duty. (See my post on the use of illegal and illicit for a brief contrast of societal custom and the law.) On the other hand, observation means the act of noticing or recording something. While both words are nouns, more effective writers don’t confuse them in their writing.
Consider the example sentence in the above cropped graphic. The writer of this sentence correctly distinguishes between the related but different meanings of observance and observation. The community performs a special ceremony on Veteran’s Day which reflects their character. In other words, they had an observance. Stevenson watched them perform the ceremony and somehow recorded what he witnessed. In other words, he made observations.
An observance is the performance of a requirement. An observation is the act of noticing or recording something.
Make sure that your writing recognizes such subtle differences in language. More precise language makes for more effective writing, and that better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.