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"Behold" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "contemplar", and "observe" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "observar". Learn more about the difference between "behold" and "observe" below.
behold(
bi
-
hold
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (literary) (to observe)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. contemplar (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
The poor knight was stricken with amorous passion from the moment he beheld the damsel.El pobre caballero se llenó de pasión amorosa desde el primer momento que contempló a la doncella.
b. mirar
Phyllis was simply stunned the first time that she beheld the Alps in person.Phyllis se quedó asombrada la primera vez que miró los Alpes en persona.
2. (literary) (as a command)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
observe(
uhb
-
zuhrv
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to watch)
a. observar
This is a chance to observe these rare animals in their natural habitat.Esta es una oportunidad de observar estos animales poco comunes en su hábitat natural.
3. (to notice)
4. (to comment)
a. observar
When you join the club, you agree to observe the rules.Cuando te haces socio del club, te comprometes a observar las reglas.
b. respetar
I refuse to observe a law I do not agree with.Me niego a respetar una ley con la cual no estoy de acuerdo.
c. cumplir
Although the law was passed, it has never been observed.Aunque aprobaron la ley, nunca se cumplió.
d. acatar
The guidelines set out several principles which need to be observed.En las pautas se exponen varios principios que es necesario acatar.
e. guardar
We shall now observe a minute's silence in memory of the victims.Ahora guardaremos un minuto de silencio en memoria de las víctimas.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
7. (to watch)
