Obviously: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：clearly evident (obviously)

obviously 🔊

/ˈɒb.vi.əs.li/

adv.

In a way that is very easy to see or understand.

obviously pointing at bright sun in clear sky

clearly evident 🔊

➕

/ˈklɪərli ˈɛvɪdənt/

adv.

In a way that is very easy to see, perceive, or understand without any doubt.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'obvius' (in the way) + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Obvious + ly = something that is 'in the way' so you cannot miss it.

📖 Example

The old man walking by smiled at us obviously lost, looking at our map in the middle of the park. 🔊 The old man walking by smiled at us obviously lost, looking at our map in the middle of the park.

🔗 Collocations

obviously true – clearly and undeniably correct

obviously wrong – plainly incorrect or mistaken

obviously fake – clearly not genuine or authentic

🔄 Synonyms

clearly (adv.) – In a way that is easy to perceive or understand; without doubt.

evidently (adv.) – Plainly or obviously, as is apparent from evidence.

apparently (adv.) – As far as one can see or judge; seemingly obviously.

🚫 Antonyms

unclearly (adv.) – In a way that is not easy to see or understand.

ambiguously (adv.) – In a way that has more than one possible meaning or interpretation.

obscurely (adv.) – In a way that is not well known or not easily understood.

🌱 Derivatives

obvious (adj.) – Easily perceived or understood; clear.

obviousness (n.) – The quality or state of being obvious.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'obviam' (in the way), meaning something that stands directly in sight. It entered English via Old French in the 15th century as 'obvious', and the adverb formed naturally.