Obviously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obviously

[ˈɒbvɪəsli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a clear and obvious manner

In a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly and without doubt.

Synonyms

clearly, evidently, evidently, patently, plainly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obviously	Use in informal conversations or writing when something is so evident that it doesn't need more explanation. Often implies the speaker thinks the information should be clear to everyone. He is obviously tired after working for 12 hours straight Obviously, we need to address this issue immediately
clearly	Ideal for more formal conversations or writing when you need to emphasize that something is easy to see or understand without ambiguity. The instructions are clearly written on the label She clearly knows what she's doing
evidently	Used often in formal writing or speech to imply that something is clear based on the evidence or information available. Evidently, the company has chosen a new direction He is evidently the most qualified candidate for the position
patently	Used in formal writing or speech to describe something that is clearly the case, often when the speaker wants to emphasize that it should be obvious to everyone, sometimes with a critical tone. It is patently obvious that the system is flawed The claims are patently false
plainly	Usually employed in both spoken and written language when something is straightforward and unambiguous, often used for emphasis. He was plainly disappointed with the result The answer is plainly stated in the text

Examples of usage

Obviously, she was not happy with the decision.
He obviously didn't know what he was talking about.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

used to express agreement or acknowledgment

Used to express acknowledgment or understanding of a fact or statement.

Synonyms

certainly, indeed, naturally, of course, surely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obviously	Used similarly to the first 'obviously', indicating something clear to understand or evident. Obviously, you should follow the instructions carefully. She was obviously the best candidate for the job.
of course	Used to concede something, acknowledge a point, or show agreement. It often implies that the statement is expected or taken for granted. Of course, you can come to the party. I will help you with your homework, of course.
naturally	Used to indicate that something happens as a normal part of a process or situation, often conveying that it is expected or normal. Naturally, children need a lot of sleep. He naturally knew how to handle the situation.
surely	Used to express confidence in something or to question with a sense of disbelief or expectation. Sometimes it conveys reassurance or encouragement. Surely, he wouldn't lie to us. This will surely work out in the end.
indeed	Used to emphasize a statement or to confirm something, often in response to someone else's statement or question. Indeed, this is the best movie I have ever seen. Yes, indeed, I agree with you.
certainly	Used to express something that is sure to happen or something that the speaker strongly believes is true. We will certainly finish the work by tomorrow. That will certainly improve our chances.

Examples of usage

Obviously, you are right.
Obviously, this is a difficult situation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People often use this word to affirm their viewpoints, as it reinforces confidence in one's understanding.
The use of 'obviously' can sometimes lead to misunderstandings if the listener does not share the same knowledge or perspective.
In conversations, overuse of 'obviously' may suggest arrogance or presumption about others' comprehension.

Communication

Using 'obviously' can provide emphasis in speech, clarifying that a point should be self-evident.
It's often found in persuasive writing to strengthen arguments by suggesting consensus on obvious points.
'Obviously' can signal that the speaker expects agreement, but may also alienate those who disagree or are less informed.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'obviously' has been featured prominently in popular memes, often humorously exaggerating situations that are widely understood.
In reality TV, contestants may say 'obviously' to assert their strategy or decision-making, revealing insight into their thought processes.
Characters in sitcoms frequently use 'obviously' for comedic effect, emphasizing the absurdity of a situation that should be easily recognized.

Origin of 'obviously'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'obvius', meaning 'in the way' or 'easy to see'.
It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, evolving from 'obvious', which means clear or apparent.
The '-ly' ending indicates that it's an adverb, showing how something is done, in this case, clearly.

The word 'obviously' originated from the mid-16th century, combining the root 'obvious' with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. It has been used in English to express clarity and acknowledgment for centuries, evolving in meaning and usage over time.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,562, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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