oblivion
uh-BLIV-ee-un
əˈblɪviən
The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening; the state of being forgotten.
Oblivion is more than just forgetting; it is a total erasure or a state of nothingness.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'oblivisci,' meaning 'to forget.' It suggests a covering over of the mind, like a dark cloth laid over a picture.
Word relationships
- obscurity: Obscurity means being unknown; oblivion means being forgotten entirely.
- fame: Fame is the state of being widely known and remembered.
Commonly confused with
- oblivious: Oblivious is the adjective describing the person who doesn't notice things; oblivion is the state of being forgotten.
Word family
- oblivious (adjective): Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one.
Collocations
- fade into oblivion
- sink into oblivion
- drink oneself into oblivion
Example sentences
- "Oblivion is the dark page whereon memory writes her light-beam characters." Philosophy
- "The once-mighty empire eventually faded into the mists of oblivion." History
Memory hook
Oblivion sounds like 'All-be-gone'—everything is gone and forgotten. Total erasure.
When not to use
Do not use this for minor forgetfulness, like forgetting your keys.
Fun facts
- The River Lethe in Greek mythology was the river of oblivion; drinking from it caused the souls of the dead to forget their earthly lives.
Explore more words
oblivious, obscurity, limbo, heedless, absorption, obsolescence
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