Obviating: meaning, definitions and examples
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obviating
[ ˈäb-vē-ˌāt ]
reduce necessity
Obviating means to make something unnecessary or to prevent an anticipated event from happening. It often involves taking proactive measures to eliminate potential issues or problems before they arise. The term can be applied in various contexts such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. When something is obviated, it suggests that the risk or need for action has been effectively addressed or mitigated.
Synonyms
avoiding, eliminating, forestalling, preventing
Examples of usage
- The new safety regulations are obviating the need for additional training.
- By addressing these issues early, we can obviate future complications.
- The development of technology can obviate many traditional workflows.
Word origin
The word 'obviate' originates from the Latin term 'obviare', which means 'to hinder or impede'. The Latin root combines 'ob-', meaning 'against', and 'via', which means 'way' or 'path'. The evolution of the word into English occurred in the early 17th century, where it began to take on the connotation of preventing something from occurring rather than merely hindering it. Over time, obviate has been used predominantly in formal contexts, especially in legal or academic writing, to indicate preemptive action that prevents the need for further intervention or correction.