Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Ob Via

I'm not a Latin scholar. Nonetheless, the root word "ob" apparently means to come directly upon, to face against such that it is easily within reach. The root word "via" means way or path.

The combined term, obviam or "obvious" comes to mean the path or way that is directly in front of you and hence makes it easy to know what your next step forward should be.

Among the many dictionary defintions is this one: easily discovered, seen, or understood (Merriam Webster's)

Some more enlightening definitions: Easily perceived or understood; quite apparent. See synonyms at "apparent"; Easily seen through because of a lack of subtlety; transparent: an obvious political ploy. ETYMOLOGY: From Latin, from obviam, in the way, within reach : ob-, against; see ob– + viam,

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