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obstaclesomething that blocks your path or prevents progress

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: something that blocks your path or prevents progress

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɑːbstəkl/

Example Sentences

  • My mom's cooking is the biggest obstacle to my diet plan.
  • Language barrier can be an obstacle in international business.
  • His laziness is the only obstacle between him and success.

obstacle

NOUN

[/ˈɑːbstəkl/]

something that blocks your path or prevents progress

The obstacle was bigger than expected — but turning back was never an option.
💡 Concept

The obstacle was bigger than expected — but turning back was never an option.

OB — a STACK of obstacles — you must hurdle them all. (OB(stacle) + STACK + LE(ap)
→ An obstacle is a STACK of things blocking your way — you must LEAP over them)
🧠 Mnemonic

OB — a STACK of obstacles — you must hurdle them all. (OB(stacle) + STACK + LE(ap) → An obstacle is a STACK of things blocking your way — you must LEAP over them)

Every obstacle becomes a spectacle — until the miracle of getting through it.
🎵 Rhyme

Every obstacle becomes a spectacle — until the miracle of getting through it.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈɑːbstəkl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈɒbstəkl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixob--
Rootsta
Suffix--cle

Origin

From Latin 'obstaculum,' derived from 'obstare' meaning 'to stand against' or 'to block,' formed from 'ob-' (against) and 'stare' (to stand).

Breakdown

ob- (against) + sta- (stand) + -culum (noun suffix indicating means or instrument) = obstacle (something that stands against or blocks)

🎵Rhyme

particlearticlespectacle
particle
article
spectacle

🔗Collocations

overcome obstacles
face obstacles
major obstacle
obstacle course
remove obstacles
insurmountable obstacle

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom's cooking is the biggest obstacle to my diet plan.

Language barrier can be an obstacle in international business.

His laziness is the only obstacle between him and success.

😄 Fun example

The biggest obstacle in online classes? My bed is too comfortable.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

barrierhindranceimpedimenthurdleblockage

Antonyms

advantagehelpaid

Related

challengedifficultyproblemblockobstruct

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