Clearly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clearly

[ˈklɪərli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

communication

In a way that is easy to see, hear, understand, or believe.

Synonyms

evidently, obviously, plainly, transparently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clearly	Used to emphasize the clarity or obviousness of a situation or fact, often to avoid misunderstanding. She spoke clearly so everyone could understand. Clearly, there was a mistake in the report.
evidently	Used to describe something that is obvious based on evidence or reason. Often implies that something is apparent to everyone. Evidently, he didn't prepare for the exam. The car was left in the rain, and evidently, it got wet.
obviously	Commonly used to point out something that should be clear to everyone. Can sometimes have a slightly condescending or sarcastic tone. Obviously, we need more information before making a decision. He's obviously the best candidate for the job.
plainly	Used to state something in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner. Often used to emphasize honesty or directness. She spoke plainly about the challenges they faced. It's plainly obvious that he needs help.
transparently	Used to describe something done in an open and honest manner without hiding any details. Often used in formal or professional contexts. The company's policies are transparently available on their website. He explained his intentions transparently to avoid any confusion.

Examples of usage

She spoke clearly and confidently during the presentation.
The instructions were written clearly on the board.
The message was clearly conveyed to the audience.
He expressed his opinion clearly and concisely.
The benefits of the new policy were clearly outlined in the meeting.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

quality

In a way that is free from doubt or uncertainty.

Synonyms

certainly, manifestly, undoubtedly, unquestionably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clearly	Used when something is easily understood or obvious without ambiguity. Clearly, we need more time to finish this project She is clearly the best candidate for the job
undoubtedly	Used to stress that something is true without doubt, often in a persuasive or assertive tone. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented musicians of our time Undoubtedly, this will improve our sales
certainly	Used to emphasize the certainty or surety of something. I will certainly be there by 6 PM This is certainly the best pizza in town
unquestionably	Used to indicate that something is beyond question or debate, often with strong conviction. He is unquestionably the leader of the team This is unquestionably the right decision
manifestly	Used when something is plain or obvious, often with a formal or academic tone. The plan was manifestly flawed from the start He is manifestly talented in mathematics

Examples of usage

The team clearly deserved to win the game.
Her talent was clearly evident in her performance.
The results of the experiment were clearly positive.
It was clearly a misunderstanding.
The decision was clearly the right one.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

Adverbs like 'clearly' modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, enhancing the description of actions.
It helps in speech and writing to convey a transparent message and improves understanding.
The use of 'clearly' can serve to emphasize the obviousness of a statement, thus aiding in persuasive communication.

Psychology

Using clear communication helps reduce cognitive load, making it easier for people to process information.
Psychological studies show that clarity in messages can enhance retention and comprehension.
Clarity in speech can foster better interpersonal relationships as it minimizes misunderstandings.

Education

Educators encourage 'clearly' stated instructions to ensure students understand tasks effectively.
Clear communication is crucial in educational settings to facilitate active learning and engagement.
In assessments, students who articulate their thoughts clearly often receive higher evaluations for clarity.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'Clearly, I didn’t think that through' has become popular in memes and social media, often joking about obvious mistakes.
Many motivational speakers emphasize the importance of clear communication in achieving personal and professional success.
In films and TV, characters often say 'clearly' to mock someone for misunderstanding something obvious.

Origin of 'clearly'

Main points about word origin

The word originated from the Old English word 'clears', meaning 'to make bright or clean'.
It evolved through Middle English as 'cler', indicating brightness or transparency.
The suffix ‘-ly’ transformed it into an adverb, suggesting manner or way of doing something.

The word 'clearly' originated from the Middle English word 'clerli', which meant 'brightly, distinctly'. It is derived from the Old French word 'cler' and the Latin word 'clarus', both meaning 'clear, bright'. The adverb 'clearly' has been used in the English language since the 14th century, evolving over time to convey the sense of transparency, certainty, and easy understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #788 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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785 cell
786 issued
787 doubt
788 clearly
789 soil
790 reduced
791 heat
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