oblivious
Meaning: Entirely unaware of or inattentive to what is happening around one, often to a degree that others find surprising or frustrating.
Oblivious implies a deeper state of unawareness than simply not noticing — it suggests absorption in something else or a fundamental failure to perceive. It typically collocates with 'to' (oblivious to the danger) and is used in both formal writing and everyday speech. The word can carry mild criticism, implying that the person should have been more attentive.
Examples
- The minister appeared oblivious to the growing public anger over the policy. 这位大臣似乎对公众日益增长的不满情绪浑然不觉。El ministro parecía ajeno a la creciente indignación pública ante la política.その大臣は、政策に対する国民の怒りが高まっていることに気づいていないようだった。그 장관은 정책에 대한 국민의 분노가 커지고 있다는 사실을 전혀 인식하지 못하는 듯했다.
- He walked through the crowded station, oblivious to the commotion around him. 他穿过拥挤的车站,对周围的骚动毫无察觉。Caminó por la estación abarrotada, completamente ajeno al revuelo a su alrededor.彼は混雑した駅を歩いて行ったが、周囲の騒ぎにはまったく気づかなかった。그는 혼잡한 역을 걸어갔지만, 주변의 소동에는 전혀 무관심했다.
- The report found that senior management had been oblivious to the safety concerns raised by frontline staff. 报告发现高层管理人员对一线员工提出的安全问题一直视而不见。El informe concluyó que la alta dirección había sido ajena a las preocupaciones de seguridad planteadas por el personal de primera línea.報告書によれば、上級管理職は現場スタッフが提起した安全上の懸念にまったく気づいていなかった。보고서에 따르면, 고위 경영진은 현장 직원들이 제기한 안전 우려를 전혀 인지하지 못하고 있었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin obliviosus (forgetful), from oblivio (forgetfulness), related to oblivisci (to forget). Entered English in the 15th century, originally meaning forgetful before shifting to its current sense of unaware.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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