obviate

Everyday

(formal) To remove a need or a problem, so that something is no longer necessary, as in "This obviates the need for…". tree →

In the lessons

A stiff formal word used in exams, reports and official writing; it almost always comes in "obviate the need for". In everyday speech people say "avoid", "get rid of" or "means we don't need".

Examples

• The new bridge obviates the need for a ferry. tree →
• Labelling the boxes obviated any confusion. tree →
• A good plan obviates the need for rushing. tree →
• Wearing a helmet does not obviate the need to ride carefully. tree →
• The calculator obviates the need for long division. tree →
• Online forms obviate the need for paper. tree →

Note

Formal and rare. Pronounced "OB-vee-ate". Do not confuse with "obvious" (easy to see); the two words are related in origin but mean different things.