clearly

American  

[kleer-lee] / ˈklɪər li /

adverb

1. in a clear manner.

   It is difficult to explain complex matters clearly.

2. without equivocation; decidedly.

   It is clearly out of the question to drop the case.

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clearly British  

/ ˈklɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a clear, distinct, or obvious manner

   I could see everything quite clearly

2. (sentence modifier) it is obvious that; evidently

   clearly the social services must be flexible

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Usage

What is a basic definition of clearly? Clearly means in a clear manner or way, without uncertainty. Clearly also means happening in a way that is obvious or occurring without question. Clearly is an adverb formed from the word clear, which means free from obscurity or free from doubt. If something happens without blurriness or cloudiness, it happens clearly. For example, when you speak clearly, you are not mumbling or stuttering.

• Real-life examples: Many people wear glasses to help them see clearly. Teachers try to explain subjects clearly to students so they don’t get confused or fail to understand the material. Many right-handed people struggle to write clearly with their left hand.
• Used in a sentence: I couldn’t hear clearly because I had water in my ears. 

Clearly is also used to mean obviously, undoubtedly, or evidently. You might use this sense of clearly when you are so confident about something that you believe there is zero doubt about it, as when it is clearly a bad idea to eat a sandwich that has meat that expired a year ago. Clearly is often used in arguments and opinions, though. Just because a person uses the word clearly doesn’t mean there is no room for disagreement or doubt.

• Used in a sentence: I am allergic to peanuts so it clearly wasn’t me who ate the last of the peanut butter. 

Synonym Usage

Clearly, definitely, distinctly, evidently imply the way in which something is plainly understood or understandable. Clearly suggests without doubt or obscurity: expressed clearly. Definitely means explicitly; with precision: definitely phrased. Distinctly means without blurring or confusion: distinctly enunciated. Evidently means patently, unquestionably: evidently an error.

Etymology

Origin of clearly

First recorded in 1250–1300, Middle English clerli; see clear, -ly

Explanation

Things that are done clearly can be easily understood. If you've clearly explained the rules before you start playing, your friends will have more fun and ask you fewer questions. The adverb clearly is also a great word to use when something's obvious. If your little sister bursts into tears at the sight of the birthday clown, she's clearly terrified. And if everyone flubs their lines at the dress rehearsal of the school play, you clearly need extra practice before opening night. With your new glasses, you can see clearly, and you might say, "Clearly, I needed these!"

Example Sentences

Few series have understood more clearly that where we eat is often just as revealing as what we eat.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

He said there were still plans to review the effectiveness of the current escalation and intervention framework for health boards, which have "clearly shown to be wanting by the chronic issues at Betsi".

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

However, a closer look at presidents and first ladies presents a contrasting perspective: Character shapes decisions most clearly when stakes are high and outcomes are uncertain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Rarely does history point so clearly to one outcome.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2026

But his eyes were swimming, and he could not see their faces clearly.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Related Words

• apparently
• certainly
• definitely
• distinctly
• evidently
• obviously
• openly
• plainly
• positively
• precisely
• seemingly
• surely
• undoubtedly