Holiday vs. Observance

Holiday vs. Observance — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Holiday and Observance

Holidaynoun

A day on which a festival, religious event, or national celebration is traditionally observed.

Today is a Wiccan holiday!

Observancenoun

The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.

Holidaynoun

A day declared free from work by the state or government.

Observancenoun

The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.

Holidaynoun

A period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel; often plural (US English: vacation).

Observancenoun

Observation or the act of watching.

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Holidaynoun

(US English: vacation) A period during which pupils do not attend their school; often plural; rarely used for students at university (usually: vacation).

I want to take a French course this summer holiday.

Observancenoun

(religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.

Holidaynoun

A gap in coverage, e.g. of paint on a surface, or sonar imagery.

Observancenoun

the act of observing; taking a patient look

Holidayverb

To take a period of time away from work or study.

Observancenoun

a formal event performed on a special occasion;

a ceremony commemorating Pearl Harbor
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Holidayverb

(British) To spend a period of time for travel.

Observancenoun

the act of noticing or paying attention;

he escaped the notice of the police

Holidaynoun

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure;

we get two weeks of vacation every summerwe took a short holiday in Puerto Rico

Observancenoun

conformity with law or custom or practice etc.

Holidaynoun

a day on which work is suspended by law or custom;

no mail is delivered on federal holidaysit's a good thing that New Year's was a holiday because everyone had a hangover

Holidayverb

spend or take a vacation