obviously
gb/ˈɑbviəsli/ us/ˈɑbviəsli/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
In a way that is clear
In a way that is easy for everyone to see or understand.
Usage pattern:
obviously [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse 'obviously' when they mean 'probably', which suggests uncertainty instead of certainty.
Synonyms
clearly (More neutral and less emotionally loaded than 'obviously'.)
|
evidently (Slightly more formal than 'obviously'.)
Antonyms
unclearly (Describes something done in a way that is hard to understand.)
|
ambiguously (Means done in a way that allows multiple interpretations.)
Collocations
obviously true
|obviously wrong
|obviously important
|obviously fake
Themes
communication
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She was obviously excited about the news.
- The answer is obviously correct.
- He was obviously lying about where he had been.
- It’s obviously going to rain later today.
Learner examples
- It is obviously cold outside.
- She is obviously happy.
- This food is obviously fresh.
- He is obviously tired.
adverb
informal
B1
property
2
Used to stress self-evidence
Used to say that something should be clear to the person you are talking to.
Usage pattern:
obviously [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'obviously' too directly, making speech sound rude; tone and context are important.
Synonyms
of course (Similar in function, but can be warmer or more polite depending on tone.)
Antonyms
surprisingly (Indicates something is unexpected rather than self-evident.)
Collocations
well obviously
|obviously you know
|obviously not
Themes
conversation
|emphasis
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Obviously, we want to win the game.
- Well, obviously I’m not going to agree to that.
- You obviously weren’t listening to me.
Learner examples
- Obviously, I want to go.
- Obviously, she likes chocolate.
- Obviously, we need more chairs.
Grammar
Dictionary form
obviously
IPA
GB/ˈɑbviəsli/
US/ˈɑbviəsli/
Syllables & stress
ob - vi - ously (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ob)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: obviously
- Plural: obviouslies
Word family
Expressions
obviously not
1/ˈɑbviəsli nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
Clearly not true or possible
Used to say that something is clearly not true or will not happen.
Examples
- "Are you going to quit?" — "Obviously not."
- That is obviously not the right answer.
well obviously
1/wˈɛl ˈɑbviəsli/
fixed phrase
informal
Used to show impatience at self-evidence
Used when you think what you are saying should be clear, sometimes showing impatience.
Examples
- "Did you lock the door?" — "Well obviously!"
- Well obviously, I didn’t mean it like that.