Obviate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
obviate
[หรคbvฤหฤt ]
Definition
preventing issues
To obviate something means to remove a need or difficulty, essentially making it unnecessary. This term is often used in discussions about solving problems or avoiding potential issues before they arise. It implies a proactive approach to anticipating challenges and taking steps to mitigate them. The term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in academic and professional writing.
Synonyms
avoid, deter, eliminate, prevent.
Examples of usage
- The new policy was designed to obviate the need for extra funding.
- We implement these measures to obviate any disruptions in service.
- By securing the contract early, we can obviate various complications later.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Usage in Law
- In legal contexts, obviating refers to preventing potential legal issues before they arise, similar to risk management.
- Lawyers often look for ways to obviate disputes through clear contracts and communication.
- Judicial rulings can obviate future cases by setting important legal precedents.
Philosophy
- Philosopher Henri Bergson proposed ideas that encouraged obviating problems by understanding the nature of time and experience.
- In utilitarian ethics, the goal is to obviate harm by considering the greatest good for the greatest number.
- The concept of 'preemptive action' in philosophy often relates to the idea of obviating potential harm through proactive approaches.
Literature
- In literature, protagonists often obviate conflict by making wise choices early in the narrative.
- Books that explore dystopian societies frequently feature characters who try to obviate tyranny before it takes root.
- The term is less common in poetry but can find usage to convey the foresight of preventing emotional pain.
Science
- In medical science, preventative measures such as vaccines obviate the risk of diseases spreading.
- Obviation plays a role in environmental science, where actions are taken to obviate pollution before it begins.
- Technology seeks to obviate issues in systems, such as using firewalls to prevent cyber threats.
Origin of 'obviate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obviare', meaning 'to stand in the way' or 'to prevent'.
- Originating in the early 17th century, it was adopted into English to describe measures against problems.
- It combines 'ob-' meaning 'against' and 'via' meaning 'way', highlighting the idea of blocking a path to an issue.
The word 'obviate' comes from the Latin term 'obviatus', which is the past participle of 'obviare', meaning 'to meet in the way' or 'to obstruct'. The prefix 'ob-' means 'against', and 'via' means 'way'. Therefore, the literal translation suggests an action of blocking the way of something. 'Obviate' was introduced into the English language in the early 17th century, with its first recorded use around 1640. It initially conveyed the idea of encountering and addressing issues as they appear, but over time, its meaning has evolved to encapsulate a broader and more proactive approach in problem-solving. The term is used frequently in legal, technical, and academic fields, reflecting a refinement of thought and language. Its usage has remained relatively stable in the English lexicon, often emphasizing a sophisticated method of addressing challenges before they occur.