Word of the Day: Obviate
What's the story
"Obviate" is a verb that means to prevent a problem, difficulty, or need from occurring. It is often used when something removes the need for a particular action or makes a problem unnecessary. The word is commonly used in formal or professional writing when describing a solution that avoids a difficulty altogether.
Origin
Origin of the word
"Obviate" comes from the Latin word obviare, meaning "to meet" or "to prevent."
The word entered English in the 16th century and gradually developed its modern sense of preventing or making something unnecessary.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'obviate'
Words related to "obviate" include prevent, avoid, avert, eliminate, remove, forestall, preclude, and avert.
Among these, "prevent" is the simplest alternative, while "preclude" is closer to "obviate" when something makes a particular problem or action unnecessary.
Sentence
Sentence usage
Check out "obviate" in these examples:
"Better planning can obviate many common problems."
"Online payments can obviate the need to carry cash."
"Regular maintenance may obviate costly repairs in the future."
Writing
Why use the word
"Obviate" is useful when you want to describe a solution that prevents a problem or removes the need for something.
It is especially helpful in formal writing when explaining how a particular step, tool, or decision can avoid unnecessary effort or difficulty.