How to Memorize

obviate - avoid

Analysis

The formal word ‘obviate’ means to eliminate a problem or difficulty and in so doing, avoid the need to take action to deal with it. It implies a certain degree of intelligent consideration of options and forethought to prevent or evade trouble. Most commonly used in a professional context.

Example(s)

1. Executives at the company unanimously agreed to a reduction in pay in order to obviate the need to cut jobs to save costs.

2. A burgeoning crisis in modern society is the obviation of human skills by increasingly advanced technology. A lot of people’s livelihoods could be at risk.

3. We are hoping to obviate the need for legal action, so a mediator has been called in to resolve the dispute.