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Obviousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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obviousness

 

[ ˈɔbvɪəsnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

clarity, evident

Obviousness refers to the quality of being easily perceived or understood. It implies that something is clear, apparent, or self-evident, making it difficult to overlook or deny. In various fields, the concept of obviousness is often explored in relation to logical reasoning and decision-making.

Synonyms

clarity, evidence, manifestness, plainness, transparency.

Examples of usage

  • The obviousness of her talent impressed everyone.
  • In scientific studies, the obviousness of the results can affect conclusions.
  • He questioned the obviousness of the choice presented to him.
  • The obviousness of the issue led to an immediate discussion.

Etymology

The term 'obviousness' is derived from the Latin word 'obvius,' which means 'in the way' or 'easily perceived.' This Latin term is a composition of 'ob-' meaning 'against' or 'in front of,' and 'via,' meaning 'way' or 'road.' The use of 'obvious' in English can be traced back to the early 17th century. Originally, it was associated with something being in plain view or easily understood. The evolution toward 'obviousness' as a noun form followed, reflecting the state or quality of being obvious. The development of the term was influenced by philosophical discussions, particularly in logic and epistemology, where clarity and self-evidence play significant roles in argumentation and knowledge acquisition. The contemporary use of 'obviousness' encompasses a wide range of contexts, from everyday observations to formal analytical discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,886, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.