Definition

Adjective: * Not immediately apparent; not obvious: Something that is "unobvious" is not easily seen, understood, or recognized at first glance. It requires deeper thought, analysis, or explanation to be perceived or appreciated.

Usage and Examples

The adjective "unobvious" describes qualities, connections, reasons, or solutions that are hidden, subtle, or not self-evident.

• Describing a subtle connection or reason:
  • The link between the two historical events was unobvious until the researcher uncovered new evidence.
  • Her unobvious motive for helping him was later revealed to be guilt.
• Describing a non-evident solution or feature:
  • The software has an unobvious shortcut that greatly improves efficiency.
  • The unobvious flaw in the design caused the structure to fail under stress.

Advanced Usage

• "to make the unobvious obvious": A phrase used in analysis, teaching, or innovation to describe the act of revealing or clarifying something that was not clear.
  • A good teacher's skill lies in making the unobvious obvious to students.

Variants and Related Words

• Unobtrusively (adverb): In a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention. (Note: This is related in concept of being "not obvious" in presence, but is a different word).
  • The security cameras were placed unobtrusively around the perimeter.
• Non-obvious (adjective): A more common synonym with identical meaning.
  • The invention was granted a patent because it was a non-obvious solution to the problem.

Synonyms

• Non-obvious
• Subtle
• Unapparent
• Unclear
• Recondite (for knowledge that is obscure and difficult to understand)

Antonyms

• Obvious
• Apparent
• Clear
• Evident
• Conspicuous

Adjective

1. not immediately apparent
   • in mathematical science connections are exhibited which...are extremely unobvious- A.N.Whitehead