obviously

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a way that is easy to see or understand; clearly.

   Grammar: Often used to modify a whole sentence or clause: 'Obviously, he was tired.'

   Patterns

   • obviously, ...
   • something is obviously true
   • obviously not

   Obviously, she was upset by the news.

   He was obviously tired after the long trip.

   The answer is obviously wrong.

2. 2adverbinformal

   Used to say that something is so clear that it does not need explaining.

   Grammar: Can stand alone as a response: 'Obviously.'

   Patterns

   • obviously not
   • obviously yes

   Are you coming to the party? Obviously!

   Obviously not—I would have told you.

Common combinations

obviously wrong

The math answer was obviously wrong.

obviously true

It is obviously true that she works hard.

quite obviously

He was quite obviously lying.

Synonyms and how they differ

clearly

Clearly is a close synonym but often sounds more neutral and less blunt than obviously.

evidently

Evidently suggests something is shown by evidence, while obviously suggests it is plain to anyone.

of course

Of course is a phrase used to agree or say something is expected, not a direct synonym for obviously.

Opposites

Word family

obvious adjective

Easy to see or understand.

obviousness noun

The quality of being easy to see or understand.

Commonly confused: obviously or oblivious?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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