obviously
O-vee-uhs-lee
Obviously (adv) means Clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand. Example: “He was obviously nervous, because his hands shook as he held the paper.”
adv
1
Clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand.
"He was obviously nervous, because his hands shook as he held the paper."
"The instructions were obviously written by someone who had never built a shelf."
"She was obviously exhausted after the flight."
2
Used to introduce a statement as if it should be self-evident, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm.
"Obviously, you will want to check the oven before putting the cake in."
""Did you lock the door?" "Obviously, I always do," she replied with a sigh."
"Obviously, I'm going to say yes — it's a dream job."
How to use obviously
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClearly, or "of course" — often used to stress that something should be plain to see.
When to use it
Used sarcastically or dismissively, "obviously" can sound blunt or rude — tone matters.
Common pairings
obviously wrong
obviously upset
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more obviously
- Superlative
- most obviously
Fill the gap
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He was _____ nervous, because his hands shook as he held the paper.
Synonyms
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certainly
of course
undoubtedly
naturally
clearly
evidently
manifestly
obvi
blatantly
baitly
eyely
glaringly
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for obviously
famously
anxiously
seriously
curiously
furiously
nervously
viciously
jealously
hideously
previously
vigorously
cautiously
See all rhymes for obviously →
Frequently asked questions
What does “obviously” mean?
The word “obviously” means clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand. In plain terms, clearly, or "of course" — often used to stress that something should be plain to see.
How do you pronounce “obviously”?
“Obviously” is pronounced O-vee-uhs-lee (/ˈɑ(b).vi(.)əs.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “obviously” in a sentence?
Here is “obviously” used in a sentence: “She was obviously exhausted after the flight.”
What is another word for “obviously”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obviously” include clearly, evidently, manifestly, obvi, blatantly and baitly.
What is the opposite of “obviously”?
The opposite of “obviously” — its antonyms — are clandestinely, covertly, secretly, subtly and unobviously.
What part of speech is “obviously”?
“Obviously” is an adverb.
Is “obviously” a common word?
“Obviously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “obviously” have?
“Obviously” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand.
What is the difference between obviously and clearly?
The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable. Obviously stresses that something is so evident it barely needs stating, sometimes implying it should already be known. Clearly emphasises that something is easy to see or understand. Obviously can sound slightly more emphatic or, in the wrong tone, a little condescending.
Is it rude to say obviously?
It can be, depending on tone. Saying obviously in response to a genuine question may suggest the answer was too plain to ask about, which can seem dismissive. Used to underline a shared, agreed point, however, it is perfectly neutral. Context and delivery decide whether it sounds helpful or patronising.
What is the opposite of obviously?
Opposites include arguably, possibly, and perhaps, which introduce doubt rather than certainty. Words like subtly or imperceptibly work when the contrast is about how noticeable something is. Where obviously signals that a fact is plain and undeniable, its opposites flag that something is unclear, debatable, or hidden.
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