Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

Episode: obviate (October 10, 2025)
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Overview

This episode focuses on the word “obviate,” exploring its definition, etymology, usage in real-world contexts, and associations with other words. The host, Peter Sokolowski, presents the nuances of "obviate," helping listeners expand their vocabulary by delving into meaning, origin, and related language insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Use

• Primary Meaning:

  • "Obviate" is a verb meaning to anticipate and prevent a need or difficulty.
  • It is often used in formal contexts, especially when something is made unnecessary by taking prior action.

• Common Usage:

  • Most often, it’s "needs" that are obviated—needs that are anticipated and prevented.

• Example Sentence:

  • “In 1987, a new kind of computer workstation debuted from Sun Microsystems. These workstations, as well as increasingly powerful desktop computers from IBM and Apple, obviated the need for specialized Lisp machines. Within a year, the market for Lisp machines evaporated.”
    • Meaning: The rise of more capable mainstream computers eliminated the necessity for specialized hardware.

Etymology and Connections

• Origin:
  • The word comes ultimately from the Latin adjective “obviam,” meaning "in the way."
  • The concept of "obviating" often involves figuratively putting something in the way to prevent a need from arising.
  • “Obviam” is also the ancestor of the adjective “obvious.”

Synonyms and Nuance

• Similar Words:

  • Prevent
  • Preclude (implies stopping with some element of chance)
  • Avert (always implies anticipating and actively preventing something bad)

• Distinction:

  • “Obviate” generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to prevent issues.
  • Quote:

    “Obviate generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to ward off trouble.”
    —Peter Sokolowski [02:16]

Memorable Explanation

• The host playfully notes:

  “That sentence may obviate your need to consult the definition again.”
  —Peter Sokolowski [01:23]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On How Obviate Works:

  “A need that’s obviated is a need that’s been anticipated and prevented.”
  —Peter Sokolowski [01:18]

• On Etymology:

  “Obviate comes ultimately from the Latin adjective obviam, meaning ‘in the way.’”
  —Peter Sokolowski [01:30]

• Connecting Words:

  “Obviam is also an ancestor of our adjective obvious.”
  —Peter Sokolowski [01:39]

• Clarifying Synonyms:

  “Preclude often implies that a degree of chance was involved in stopping an event, while avert always implies that a bad situation has been anticipated and prevented or deflected by the application of immediate and effective means.”
  —Peter Sokolowski [01:44]

• Sum-Up:

  “Obviate generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to ward off trouble.”
  —Peter Sokolowski [02:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Introduction of "obviate," definition, spelling | | 00:58 | Usage example from the tech industry | | 01:18 | Most common use cases explained | | 01:23 | Playful explanation to clarify meaning | | 01:30 | Etymology of "obviate" | | 01:39 | Connection to the word "obvious" | | 01:44 | Comparison with synonyms: prevent, preclude, avert | | 02:16 | "Obviate" distinguished for its nuance |

Summary

In this concise episode, Peter Sokolowski guides listeners through the meaning, proper use, and origins of the word "obviate." He illustrates with a tech industry example, breaks down fine distinctions from similar verbs, and provides memorable explanations and quotes. Designed for lovers of language and word-learners alike, this episode makes the subtle power of "obviate" easy to remember and use.