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Obviousness Meaning: Definition and Examples

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obviousness

[ˈɔbvɪəsnəs ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often default to the obviousness of certain truths, which can lead to oversights in complex situations.
  • Cognitive bias can affect how obviousness is perceived; what seems clear to one person may not be to another.
  • In problem-solving, relying on obviousness can be both a shortcut and a hindrance, depending on context.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, obviousness is frequently used as a plot device to create comedy or dramatic tension.
  • The phrase 'it's as obvious as the nose on your face' is a common idiom in English to emphasize clarity.
  • Social media often highlights obviousness in trends, where everyone collectively recognizes a popular meme.

Art

  • In visual arts, an obvious subject can be used to engage the viewer's attention before leading to deeper themes.
  • Artists like Andy Warhol played with the obviousness of consumer culture by elevating everyday objects to art.
  • Obviousness in art can evoke reactions—such as joy or confusion—prompting deeper reflection on what lies beneath.

Origin of 'obviousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the Latin 'obvius', meaning 'in the way' or 'easy to see'.
  • It combines 'ob-' which means 'toward' and 'via', meaning 'way', reflecting clarity and straightforwardness.
  • The concept has been used across Latin and French languages before settling into English in the 16th century.

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.