What does "clearly" mean?

1. (easy to see or hear) in a way that is easy to see, hear, or read. 2. (easy to understand) in a way that is easy to understand because the ideas are simple and direct. 3. (obviously true) used to show that something is obviously true or that there is no doubt about it.

clearly

adv.

US //ˈkɫɪɹɫi// UK //klˈiəli// clear·ly

1 easy to see or hear (adv.)
A2 Elementary

in a way that is easy to see, hear, or read.

in a manner that allows for easy perception by the senses, particularly sight or hearing.

Example

The sign was written in large letters so everyone could read it clearly.

Example

Even from the back of the auditorium, the speaker's voice could be heard clearly thanks to the high-quality sound system.
- faintly
- vaguely
2 easy to understand (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

in a way that is easy to understand because the ideas are simple and direct.

in a manner that is easy to comprehend or follow; free from ambiguity or confusion.

Example

The teacher explained the difficult math problem very clearly.

Example

The report was written clearly, avoiding technical jargon so that the board members could grasp the financial implications immediately.
- lucidly
- plainly
- simply
- confusingly
- obscurely

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3 obviously true (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

used to show that something is obviously true or that there is no doubt about it.

used as a sentence adverb to indicate that a fact or conclusion is obvious and beyond doubt.

Example

Clearly, the team was disappointed after losing the final game.

Example

Clearly, the current strategy is not yielding the expected results, necessitating a complete review of our marketing approach.
- obviously
- evidently
- manifestly
- doubtfully
- uncertainly

Origin

From Middle English clerli, clerely, clerelych, cleerliche, clerliche, equivalent to clear + -ly.