Obviate
Good design removes steps; good arguments remove objections; this verb is the name for making the problem unnecessary.
Learn This WordMeaning
To remove the need for something; to prevent or avoid by taking action in advance.
Memory trick
OB-VIATE: get it out of the way before it becomes necessary.
Examples
Automated tests obviate many repetitive manual checks.
Better onboarding would obviate confusion for new users.
A clear contract can obviate future disputes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin obviare "to meet, prevent," from obvius "in the way."
Usage Notes
Best used when one step makes another unnecessary. Common in formal and technical writing.
Real-life contexts
Use in planning: "This migration should obviate the old cron job."
Use in review: "Can we obviate this manual approval step?"
Use in docs: "Caching obviates repeated expensive queries."
Common Mistakes
Obviate means remove the need for, not merely make easier.
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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