What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obviate
Example
By taking necessary precautions, we can obviate the need for expensive repairs later. [obviate: verb]
Example
The new software will obviate the need for manual data entry. [obviate: verb]
avoid
Example
I try to avoid eating too much sugar. [avoid: verb]
Example
She avoided the traffic by taking a different route. [avoided: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Avoid is more commonly used than obviate in everyday language. Avoid is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obviate is less common and has a more formal and technical connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between obviate and avoid?
Obviate is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while avoid is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.