obviate
What does "obviate" mean?
To obviate means to remove a need or difficulty, typically by taking proactive measures to prevent it from arising in the first place. Think of it as "clearing the path" or "rendering something unnecessary" before it can become a problem. It is a formal, intellectual term often used in professional or academic contexts. You wouldn't use it in casual conversation; instead of saying "we obviated the error," a friend would likely say "we fixed the mistake" or "we avoided the problem."
"obviate" in conversation
Corporate planning meeting
We should automate these reports to obviate the need for manual data entry.
We should automate these reports to obviate the need for manual data entry.
That would save us hours every week.
That would save us hours every week.
Used to suggest removing a tedious task.
Legal consultation
We have included this clause to obviate any potential litigation later on.
We have included this clause to obviate any potential litigation later on.
I see, so it prevents future lawsuits?
I see, so it prevents future lawsuits?
Common in legal or contractual settings.
"obviate" in a sentence
New safety protocols were implemented to obviate the risk of workplace accidents.
New safety protocols were implemented to obviate the risk of workplace accidents.
The invention of the smartphone obviated the need for carrying a separate camera and GPS device.
The invention of the smartphone obviated the need for carrying a separate camera and GPS device.
By settling the dispute early, the parties managed to obviate the necessity of a lengthy and costly trial.
By settling the dispute early, the parties managed to obviate the necessity of a lengthy and costly trial.
