obviously

UK: /ˈɒbviəsli/ US: /ˈɑbviəsli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ob•vi•ous•ly /ˈɑbviəsli/   adv. 

1. used to express the opinion that what follows is, or should be, clearly understood or known about:
   Obviously we'll have to finish this part of the course before we can begin the next one.
2. plainly;
   easily seen or recognized:
   The men had obviously not slept well: there were dark circles under their eyes.
See -via-.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

obviously / ˈɒbvɪəslɪ/ adverb

1. in a way that is easy to see or understand; evidently
2. without subtlety
3. (sentence modifier) it is obvious that; clearly: obviously not everyone has a driving licence

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ob•vi•ous /ˈɑbviəs/   adj. 

1. easily or clearly comprehended;
   evident:
   an obvious solution to a problem.
   [It + be + ~ +  that clause]
   It must be obvious to everyone that he's lying.
2. not subtle or restrained:
   [usually: be + ~] That tight dress is too obvious to wear on a first date.

See -via-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ob•vi•ous  (ob′vē əs), adj. 

1. easily seen, recognized, or understood;
   open to view or knowledge;
   evident:
   an obvious advantage.
2. lacking in subtlety.
3. [Obs.] being or standing in the way.

• Latin obvius in the way, lying in the path, equivalent. to ob- ob- + vi(a) way + -us adjective, adjectival suffix (see -ous)
• 1580–90

ob′vi•ous•ly, adv. 
ob′vi•ous•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. plain, manifest, clear, palpable, unmistakable. See apparent. 

Antonyms

• 1. hidden.