adv
patently
PAY-tuhnt-lee
Patently (adv) means Clearly and obviously. Example: “His excuse was patently false.”
adv
1
Clearly and obviously.
"His excuse was patently false."
"It is patently unfair to punish everyone for one person's mistake."
How to use patently
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to stress that something is completely obvious, often before a negative word like "false" or "unfair."
Common pairings
patently obvious
patently false
patently unfair
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like patently.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more patently
- Superlative
- most patently
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His excuse was _____ false.
Etymology
From "patent" (in the "obvious" sense) plus the adverb suffix "-ly."
Related words
Rhymes for patently
gently
recently
fluently
urgently
silently
intently
decently
currently
fervently
patiently
evidently
presently
See all rhymes for patently →
Frequently asked questions
What does “patently” mean?
The word “patently” means clearly and obviously. In plain terms, used to stress that something is completely obvious, often before a negative word like "false" or "unfair.".
How do you pronounce “patently”?
“Patently” is pronounced PAY-tuhnt-lee (/ˈpætən(t)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “patently” in a sentence?
Here is “patently” used in a sentence: “His excuse was patently false.”
What part of speech is “patently”?
“Patently” is an adverb.
