adv

patently

PAY-tuhnt-lee

Patently (adv) means Clearly and obviously. Example: “His excuse was patently false.”

adv

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more patently comparative, most patently superlative

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His excuse was _____ false.

Etymology

From "patent" (in the "obvious" sense) plus the adverb suffix "-ly."

Synonyms

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apparently obviously plain evidently plainly manifestly

Related words

field common beautiful simple simply normal standard clearly

Rhymes for patently

gently recently fluently urgently silently intently decently currently fervently patiently evidently presently

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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.

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