Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

obvious:

1586, "frequently met with," from L. obvius "that is in the way, presenting itself readily, commonplace," from obviam (adv.) "in the way," from ob "against" + viam, acc. of via "way." Meaning "plain to see, evident" is first recorded 1635.

Could you explain how "against the way" came to mean obvious?

Thanks.

bmo

[elinor]

I found the meaning of the word from a book of etymology.


ob- = as, towards, at , before, upon, over, about, near, against

obvious
= ob (near) + vi = via (a way) + ous (形容詞字尾, the ending of an adjective)
= lying in the way ( 橫放在路上的-->醒目的) => 明白的；一目瞭然的 ( to know/perceive/understand all at one glance)

[asterix]

If something is in the way, it is hard to miss it. Something that is obvious is hard to miss.

[BMO]

Does "in the way" mean an obstacle? If you are getting a promotion, but someone else is in the way because he is in everyway better than you, is that it?

Thanks.

bmo

[elinor]

'Does "in the way" mean an obstacle?'

Yes.

'If you are getting a promotion, but someone else is in the way because he is in everyway better than you, is that it?'

Yes or No. If you are in everyway better than him/her, you are in the way.

Here are different idioms about "in the way." Please click the links.


http://www.answers.com/in%20the%20way

http://www.answers.com/put%20in%20the%20way

http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?method=4&dsid=5&deid=663798917&gwp=8&curtab=5_1&linktext=in%20one's%20way

elinor

[BMO]

Thanks to elinor and asterix. I got it.

bmo