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"Obviar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to avoid", and "pasar por alto" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to overlook". Learn more about the difference between "obviar" and "pasar por alto" below.
obviar(
ohb
-
byahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to evade)
a. to avoid
Esta nueva técnica nos permitirá obviar muchos de los problemas que planteaba la anterior.This new technique will allow us to avoid many of the problems posed by the previous one.
b. to obviate (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
El artículo obvia los riesgos que supone el uso indiscriminado del medicamento.The article obviates the risks incurred by an indiscriminate use of the drug.
c. to get round
De momento, mejor obviar el tema de la financiación.For the time being, it'll be best if we get round the funding issue.
2. (to omit)
a. to leave out
Voy a obviar las cifras, ya que los que estén interesados pueden acceder a ellas en la página web.I'll leave out the figures, since those interested can access them in the webpage.
pasar por alto(
pah
-
sahr
pohr
ahl
-
toh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to overlook
No podemos pasar por alto ningún detalle si queremos que todo salga bien.We can't overlook any detail if we want everything to go smoothly.
a. to overlook
Con el tiempo, aprendí a pasar por alto sus equivocaciones.Eventually, I learnt to overlook her mistakes.
