Study Prof

Feb
26
2008

Vocabulary Builder: Obviate

Long Definition:

ob·vi·ate [ob-vee-eyt] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing.

to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary: to obviate the risk of serious injury.

[Origin: 1590–1600; < L obvi?tus, ptp. of obvi?re to act contrary to, deriv. of obvius; see obvious, -ate¹]

—Related forms
ob·vi·a·ble [ob-vee-uh-buhl] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation, adjective

ob·vi·a·tion, noun

ob·vi·a·tor, noun

—Synonyms preclude, avert, anticipate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Short Definition: Make unnecessary

Sentences:

Bringing along Benson, with his long legs, obviated the need for a step ladder.
Studying a little each day obviated the need for an all-night cram session the night before the exam.
Using spell check on the computer doesn't obviate the need for effective proof reading.

Mnemonic:
Opera > V > ate > make unnecessary: I went to the opera last night but the opera singers kept coming down off the stage and showing me the "V" for victory symbol with their fingers. I finally got mad and ate the fingers of the next person who did this, and I got up and walked out. I thought I might get something to eat but since I had already eaten the two fingers it made dinner unnecessary. [NOTE: This isn't the greatest mnemonic, but I think it would work pretty well for me. Can you devise a better one? I'd love to hear what you come up with.]