Word: obviate (verb)

Associations

"Obviate" means to prevent or remove a problem or difficulty before it happens. It is often used in formal or written English.

• The new security system obviates the need for guards. (The system removes the need for guards.)
• Good planning can obviate many potential problems. (Planning prevents problems.)
• The invention of the telephone obviated the need for sending letters. (The telephone made letters less necessary.)

A synonym is "avoid," but "obviate" usually means to actively remove a problem, not just stay away from it.

Substitution

You can replace "obviate" with:

• prevent
• eliminate
• remove
• avoid (less strong, more about staying away)

Each word changes the meaning slightly:

• "Prevent" is more general.
• "Eliminate" means to completely remove.
• "Avoid" means to stay away from something.

Deconstruction

• Root: from Latin "obviare" meaning "to act contrary to" or "to meet."
• Prefix "ob-" means "against."
• The verb form shows action, so "obviate" means to act against or remove a problem.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where planning helped you obviate a problem?
• How is obviate different from just avoiding something?
• Can you use "obviate" in a sentence about school or work?