adjective
oblivious
uh-BLIV-ee-us/əˈblɪviəs/
Unaware of something.
She walks past her friends, oblivious to their waves and shouts.
Etymology
Latin obliviosus meant forgetful, and English initially used the word for being forgetful or heedless. The emphasis shifted from failing to remember something to failing to notice it at all.
In context
But by day, they disappear, blending in. The street troop pass by, oblivious to their presence.
More examples
- He is oblivious to the coffee stain on his shirt.
- The children play on, oblivious to the gathering storm.
- I was oblivious to how much the repairs would cost.
Forms
oblivious
obliviousness noun — The state of being unaware of something.
obliviously adverb — Without noticing or being aware of something.
Similar words
- unaware
- Simply lacks knowledge; does not suggest failing to notice.
- inattentive
- Not paying close attention, rather than necessarily lacking awareness.