clearly
gb/klˈɪɹli/ us/klˈɪɹli/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
In an understandable way
In a way that is easy to see or understand.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] clearly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'clearly' with 'surely'. 'Clearly' refers to clarity or understanding; 'surely' expresses certainty.
Synonyms
plainly (Slightly less formal and often used in spoken English.)
Antonyms
unclearly (Indicates that something is hard to see, hear, or understand.)
Collocations
explain clearly
|see clearly
|speak clearly
|understand clearly
Themes
communication
|learning
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She explained the rules clearly so everyone could follow.
- I can see the mountains clearly from here.
- The teacher spoke slowly and clearly during the lesson.
- The instructions were clearly written on the package.
Learner examples
- Please speak clearly so I can hear you.
- I can see the road clearly now.
- He wrote his name clearly on the paper.
- She told us clearly what to do.
adverb
B1
property
2
Without doubt or confusion
Used to show that something is very obvious or certain.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'clearly' for emphasis in formal writing, where more neutral phrasing might be preferred.
Synonyms
obviously (Very close in meaning, but can sound more casual or even sarcastic in some contexts.)
Antonyms
doubtfully (Suggests uncertainty or lack of clarity about truth.)
Collocations
clearly wrong
|clearly true
|clearly better
|clearly unfair
Themes
opinions
|logic
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He is clearly the most qualified candidate for the job.
- The plan was clearly not working.
- You are clearly upset about something.
- This is clearly a mistake.
Learner examples
- She is clearly happy today.
- This answer is clearly wrong.
- He is clearly the best player on the team.
- It is clearly raining outside.
adverb
A2
property
3
Without visual obstruction
So that you can see something without anything blocking your view.
Synonyms
visibly (Focuses on being able to be seen, not necessarily free of obstruction.)
Antonyms
blurrily (Describes vision or perception that is not sharp or clear.)
Collocations
see clearly
|view clearly
|look clearly
Themes
vision
|environment
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Through the clean window, we could see the garden clearly.
- I can’t see the sign clearly because of the fog.
- The photograph shows her face clearly.
Learner examples
- I can see the stars clearly tonight.
- He looked at me clearly.
- We saw the city clearly from the hill.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clearly
IPA
GB/klˈɪɹli/
US/klˈɪɹli/
Syllables & stress
clearly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (clearly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: clearly
- Plural: clearlies
Word family
Expressions
clear as day
1/klˈɪɹ ˈæz dˈeɪ/
idiom
informal
Very obvious or easy to understand
Very easy to see or understand.
Examples
- It was clear as day that she was lying.
- The answer is clear as day once you think about it.
to be clear
1/tə bˈi klˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Make sure something is understood correctly
Used before saying something again in a different way, so people understand exactly what you mean.
Examples
- To be clear, we are meeting at 10 a.m., not 11.
- I’m not angry, to be clear—just disappointed.
make it clear
1/mˈeɪk ˈɪt klˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Explain something so it’s understood
To say or show something in a way that people can easily understand.
Examples
- Please make it clear what you expect from us.
- I want to make it clear that we will not accept late work.
- He made it clear that he was not interested in selling the house.
- He made it clear that he was not interested in selling the car.