oblivious
uh-BLIV-ee-us
/əˈblɪv.i.əs/
Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around oneself.
Implies a state of complete unawareness, often peaceful or blissful, though sometimes dangerous.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'obliviosus', derived from 'oblivisci' (to forget). The root passed through Old French into Middle English, maintaining its core meaning of being wiped clean of awareness.
Word relationships
- unaware: Unaware is neutral; oblivious often carries a nuance of total absorption elsewhere or blissful ignorance.
- unconscious: Unconscious can imply medical coma or psychological depth, whereas oblivious refers to lack of situational focus.
- aware: Aware means possessing knowledge or consciousness of surroundings.
- cognizant: Cognizant is formal and implies mindful, active awareness.
Commonly confused with
- oblivion: Oblivion is the state of being forgotten or destroyed (noun); oblivious is being unaware (adjective).
Word family
- oblivion (noun): The state of being forgotten or completely unaware.
- obliviously (adverb): In an unaware manner.
- obliviousness (noun): The state of being oblivious.
Collocations
- oblivious to
- completely oblivious
- seemingly oblivious
- blissfully oblivious
Idioms & expressions
- blissfully oblivious
Example sentences
- "Absorbed in her book, she was completely oblivious to the thunderstorm outside." Daily life
- "The executive team remained oblivious to emerging market trends until revenue plunged." Business history
Memory hook
When you live in an 'OBLONG BUS', you might be oblivious to the road outside. Totally unaware.
When not to use
Do not confuse with deliberate ignoring (disregarding); oblivious means genuinely not noticing.
Fun facts
- In Greek mythology, souls drank from the River Lethe to achieve total oblivion before reincarnation.
Explore more words
oblivion, heedless, inattention, unobtrusive, indifferent, blissful
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