How to pronounce obviate
American English pronunciation
OB-vee-ayt
- IPA
- /ˈɑbviˌeɪt/
- Syllables
- OB · vee · ayt (3 syllables, stress on the 1st)
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What obviate means
To remove a need or problem before it happens
In a sentence: Packing snacks will obviate the need to stop for food.
Where it comes from: It comes from a Latin word meaning to block or get in the way of. It dates from 1567.
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