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Avoided Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avoided

[əˈvɔɪdɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

general use

The term 'avoided' refers to the act of keeping away from or preventing something. It implies a deliberate choice to not engage with or participate in an activity, situation, or emotion. This can encompass a range of scenarios, from evading responsibilities to steering clear of a particular person or event.

Synonyms

dropped, eluded, escaped, evaded, shunned.

Examples of usage

  • She avoided the crowded street to take a quieter path.
  • He has avoided discussing his feelings about the situation.
  • They avoided making eye contact with the teacher.
  • John avoided eating dessert to stick to his diet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Avoidance can be a coping mechanism, where people stay away from situations that cause anxiety.
  • Studies show that avoidance behavior can reinforce fears, making the things we avoid seem even scarier over time.
  • In therapy, addressing avoidance is often key to overcoming phobias and anxieties.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often avoid situations that lead to conflict, highlighting their fear or desire for peace.
  • The concept of 'ghosting' in dating culture is a modern form of avoidance, where one party suddenly stops communication.
  • Avoidance themes are common in literature, representing the inner struggles of characters faced with difficult choices.

Education

  • In learning environments, students may avoid challenging subjects, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
  • Teachers encourage engagement to combat avoidance, creating supportive atmospheres where questions are welcomed.
  • Skill-building activities often help students confront and overcome their tendency to avoid difficult tasks.

Origin of 'avoided'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'esvuidier', which means 'to empty out' or 'to leave empty'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'avoidare', meaning 'to give up' or 'to keep away from'.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to reflect the action of intentionally staying away from something.

The word 'avoided' originates from the Old French term 'eviter', derived from the Latin 'evitare', which means to shun or keep away from. The Latin 'evitare' is formed by the prefix 'e-', meaning out of, and 'vitare', meaning to avoid. As the term evolved into Middle English as 'avoid', it maintained its essence of avoidance and evasion. The past participle form 'avoided' has been used since the late 14th century, showcasing the language's shift toward a greater emphasis on personal choice in social behaviors. Over centuries, the usage of 'avoided' has permeated various contexts, from legal jargon to everyday conversation, reflecting societal tendencies toward self-preservation and discretion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,523, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.