clearly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   In a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand; without confusion.

   Grammar: Used to describe how something is done or perceived: speak clearly.

   Patterns

   • speak clearly
   • see clearly
   • explain something clearly

   Please speak clearly so everyone can hear you.

   The instructions were clearly written, so we had no trouble.

   From the top of the hill, we could see the ocean clearly.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   Used to say that something is obviously true; without doubt.

   Grammar: Often used as a sentence adverb at the beginning: Clearly, he was mistaken.

   Patterns

   • clearly, ...
   • clearly not
   • clearly the best

   Clearly, something went wrong with the experiment.

   She is clearly the most qualified candidate.

   The team was clearly disappointed with the result.

Common combinations

clearly visible

The sign was clearly visible from the road.

clearly stated

The rules are clearly stated in the handbook.

clearly defined

Each role has clearly defined responsibilities.

clearly understand

I clearly understand what you mean.

Synonyms and how they differ

obviously

Obviously is stronger and more informal; clearly can also mean 'in a clear manner', while obviously only means 'it is obvious'.

plainly

Plainly is similar but can suggest speaking in a simple, direct way; clearly focuses on being understood.

distinctly

Distinctly emphasizes that something is sharply noticeable; clearly is more general.

Opposites

Word family

clear adjective

Easy to understand, see, or hear.

clarity noun

The quality of being clear and easy to understand.

clearness noun

The state of being clear; less common than clarity.

Commonly confused: clearly or clear?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “clearly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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