Words / C1

uh-BLIV-ee-uh-s/əˈblɪviəs/

Oblivious means not noticing (oblivious to / of): oblivious to the alarm, oblivious of the time. Unaware is everyday; ignorant can be harsher (lacking knowledge); ignore is the verb you choose. Do not be oblivious to a fire alarm and call it focus.

Meaning

Not noticing what is happening around you (oblivious to / of).

Examples

• “Oblivious to the fire alarm is not a methods stance.”
• “Unaware is everyday. Ignore is wilful. Obscure (already in the dictionary) is “unclear / little known” — not a synonym. Oblivion is the noun for being forgotten or unconscious. Concentration on a screen is not a defence in a fire drill.”

Good to know

Unaware; not noticing. Everyday: unaware. Contrast: ignore (chosen). Mix-up: obscure. A drill is not optional focus.

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