non-obvious
UK[nɒn ˈɒb.vi.əs]US[nɑːn ˈɑːb.vi.əs]
adj
Not immediately apparent, clear, or easy to perceive or understand.
Morpheme Breakdown
non
obvious
non
not
obvious
clear
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly applying the Latin negative prefix 'non-' to the adjective 'obvious.' 'Obvious' itself originates from Latin 'obvius,' meaning "in the way, meeting, exposed," from 'ob' (against) and 'via' (way). The literal sense of something being "in the way" evolved into the figurative meaning of "easily perceived or understood." Therefore, 'non-obvious' logically constructs its meaning by negating this state of clarity, describing something that is not readily apparent and requires deeper thought or investigation to uncover.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + obvious (clear)
- non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative particle.
- obvious: An adjective of Latin origin, from 'obvius' meaning "in the way, exposed, evident." It functions as the core descriptive element.
Examples
The solution to the puzzle was non-obvious and required creative thinking.
The report highlighted several non-obvious risks associated with the new strategy.
Her genius lay in making non-obvious connections between disparate fields of study.