obviously

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.

“Obviously” is pronounced O-vee-uhs-lee (/ˈɑ(b).vi(.)əs.li/ in IPA).

Here is “obviously” used in a sentence: “She was obviously exhausted after the flight.”

Words with a similar meaning to “obviously” include clearly, evidently, manifestly, obvi, blatantly and baitly.

The opposite of “obviously” — its antonyms — are clandestinely, covertly, secretly, subtly and unobviously.

“Obviously” is an adverb.

“Obviously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Obviously” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand.

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.

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.

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.