Obviously

ˈɒbvɪəslɪ

adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonCertainty
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

In a way that is easily perceived or understood; evidently.

ˈɒbvɪəslɪ

adverbneutralBeginner
Certainty

Used to indicate that something is easily seen, understood, or recognized.

Obviously, she was upset by the news.

💡 Simply: When you say 'obviously,' you're pointing out something that's super clear, like when you see it's raining outside without having to look.

👶 For kids: When something is so easy to see or know, it's obviously true!

More Examples

2

He was, obviously, the best candidate for the job.

3

The answer is, obviously, incorrect.

How It's Used

General Communication

"Obviously, we need to finish the project on time."

Business

"The company is, obviously, facing some financial challenges."

Informal Conversation

"Obviously, he's not happy about it."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *obvius* ("in the way, exposed") + -ly (suffix forming adverbs). The sense of "easily perceived" developed over time.

The word 'obviously' has been used since the 16th century, initially to mean 'in a way that is easily met with'. The current meaning developed later.

Memory tip

Think of something clearly in sight – it's *obviously* there!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"obvius (in the way, exposed) + -ly (suffix forming adverbs)"

obviously trueobviously falseobviously importantobviously wrong

Common misspellings

obviouselyobviousley

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written