Definition of Avoid
Quick Meaning of Avoid
To keep away from someone or something, or to prevent something bad from occurring.
Detailed Definition of Avoid
To stay away from or prevent something from happening.
How to Pronounce Avoid
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Two syllables with stress on the second: uh-VOID. The first vowel is schwa, the second is the diphthong like in voice.
Watch out: Often mispronounced with stress on first syllable; correct stress is on the second syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Avoid
From Old French avoider, meaning to empty or get rid of.
How to Use Avoid in a Sentence
Each example shows “avoid” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I try to avoid eating too much sugar.”
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“She avoided the puddle by walking on the other side.”
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“Avoiding procrastination is essential for academic success.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Avoid
Common Synonyms for Avoid
Smart Synonyms for Avoid — When to Use Each
- dodge
- when physically moving out of the way
- prevent
- when stopping something from happening
- escape
- when getting away from a situation
Antonyms of Avoid
Common Collocations with Avoid
These phrases pair with “avoid” in everyday English:
- avoid contact
- avoid trouble
- avoid the question
- try to avoid
- avoid mentioning
Common Mistakes When Using Avoid
Even fluent speakers slip up with “avoid”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I want to avoid to eat fast food.
- ✓ Correct: I want to avoid eating fast food.
- Why: Avoid requires a gerund (-ing form), not the infinitive.
- ✗ Wrong: We avoided from the problem.
- ✓ Correct: We avoided the problem.
- Why: Avoid is transitive and takes the object directly without a preposition.
Words Confused With Avoid
- Avoid vs Prevent: Avoid means to stay away; prevent means to stop something happening. Compare →
Other Forms of Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions About Avoid
What is the meaning of "Avoid"?
To keep away from someone or something, or to prevent something bad from occurring.
How do you pronounce "Avoid"?
The IPA is /əˈvɔɪd/. Two syllables with stress on the second: uh-VOID. The first vowel is schwa, the second is the diphthong like in voice.
What part of speech is "Avoid"?
"Avoid" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Avoid"?
Common synonyms include escape, dodge, prevent.
How do you use "Avoid" in a sentence?
For example: "I try to avoid eating too much sugar."