综观 (zōng guān) is a formal verb meaning 'to view or examine holistically'—that is, to consider all aspects of something together rather than focusing on isolated parts. The first character 综 (zōng) means 'to synthesize' or 'to integrate,' while 观 (guān) means 'to observe' or 'to view.' Together, they convey the idea of taking a comprehensive, integrated perspective. This word is commonly used in academic writing, policy analysis, news commentary, and strategic planning—contexts where broad understanding and synthesis are valued.

It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause (e.g., '综观全局...') and is typically followed by a noun phrase indicating the scope of observation (e.g., 全局, 形势, 现状). While it carries a neutral-to-formal register, it is rarely used in casual speech or personal narratives. Learners should avoid confusing it with simpler verbs like 看 (kàn) or 观察 (guānchá), as 综观 emphasizes intentional, systematic integration—not just visual perception.