obviously
Britishadverb
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in a way that is easy to see or understand; evidently
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without subtlety
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(sentence modifier) it is obvious that; clearly
obviously not everyone wants a bank account
Explanation
Something obviously true is clearly, totally, unmistakably true. There's just no doubt about it. Obviously is a word people use when they are sure of something and sure that it's plainly clear to others. When you get presents on your birthday, you're obviously happy. Dogs obviously like to chase squirrels. The sky is obviously blue. People also use this word when they're being mean or sarcastic. If you didn't know who walked on the moon, a friend might say, "Obviously, it was Neil Armstrong!"
Vocabulary lists containing obviously
Holes
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Frindle
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Novel Study: The Crucible, Act 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I didn’t believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed is obviously the most nationally significant race.
From Slate ● Oct. 6, 2026
"The defendants were engaged in what is very obviously a form of spying," he added.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
“The higher yields go, obviously, the more attractive fixed income gets,” Howard said.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026
Dimly, Jonathan was aware that his blood pressure was being taken, that his arms and legs were being checked by someone obviously trained in medical procedures.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
