Oblivious
/əˈblɪviəs/
Definitions
Not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.
/əˈblɪviəs/
Unaware or unconscious of something.
She seemed oblivious to the fact that she had forgotten her keys.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're so lost in your own world that you don't notice anything else going on around you. Like, you're walking down the street, listening to music, and someone waves right in front of your face, but you don't even see them. That's being oblivious!
👶 For kids: When you don't know or notice something that's happening, you are oblivious to it. Like when you are playing a game and don't notice your mom calling you for dinner!
More Examples
The driver was oblivious to the traffic light turning red.
He walked on, oblivious to the stares of the crowd.
How It's Used
"He was completely oblivious to the danger."
"She seemed oblivious to his attempts to flirt."
Idioms & expressions
oblivious to the world
Completely unaware of what is happening around them.
"He was completely oblivious to the world, lost in his art."
From Latin *obliviosus* 'forgetful', from *oblivio* 'forgetfulness'.
The word's use has evolved, but it has consistently been used to describe a state of unawareness or forgetfulness.
Memory tip
Imagine someone is building a giant wall right in front of you, but you're so engrossed in your phone you don't see it. You are oblivious.
Word Origin
"forgetful"