clearly

[kleer-lee]

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.

clearly

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clearly¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

There are clearly deep-rooted issues related to Charing Cross which we need to address.

From BBC

He gave up only two unearned runs in 6 ⅔ innings with nine strikeouts, and he’s clearly ready for the next step.

From Los Angeles Times

The email had been sent to Andrew Welch - the Freeman's medical director between 2013 and 2024 - and said: "These figures are clearly a worry."

From BBC

"These criminals are clearly shocked and worried by the attention their hack has caused and they are trying to protect themselves or their brand."

From BBC

“It is quite extraordinary how clearly I remember that whole sequence of events.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apparently 
• certainly 
• definitely 
• distinctly 
• evidently 
• obviously 
• openly www.thesaurus.com
• plainly www.thesaurus.com
• positively 
• precisely 
• seemingly 
• surely 
• undoubtedly 

When To Use

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.