Definitions
- Referring to the act of preventing or avoiding something from happening. - Talking about removing an obstacle or difficulty that could hinder progress. - Describing a solution that eliminates the need for further action or intervention.
- Referring to the act of preventing something unpleasant or dangerous from happening. - Talking about avoiding a negative outcome or consequence. - Describing a situation where one takes action to prevent harm or danger.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to preventing something from happening.
- 2Both words imply taking action to avoid a negative outcome.
- 3Both words are used in formal contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Obviate focuses on removing obstacles or difficulties, while avert focuses on preventing negative outcomes.
- 2Usage: Obviate is often used in technical or specialized contexts, while avert is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 3Connotation: Obviate has a neutral connotation, while avert may have a positive connotation as it implies taking action to prevent harm or danger.
- 4Grammatical structure: Obviate is usually followed by the need for or necessity of something, while avert is usually followed by a negative outcome or consequence.
- 5Intensity: Avert implies a more urgent or critical situation than obviate.
Remember this!
Obviate and avert are synonyms that both refer to preventing something from happening. However, obviate focuses on removing obstacles or difficulties, while avert focuses on preventing negative outcomes. Obviate is often used in technical or specialized contexts, while avert is more commonly used in everyday language and implies a more urgent or critical situation.
