# obvious

/ˈɑbviəs/ (US) · /ˈɒbvɪəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obvious
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

easy to see, hear, or understand. You use this when something is so clear that nobody needs to explain it to you.

For teachers: easily perceived or understood; self-evident. Frequently used to describe facts, solutions, or physical traits that require no inference or deduction.

## Examples

- The answer to the question is obvious.
- It was obvious from the dark clouds that a heavy storm would arrive soon.
- While the solution seemed obvious in hindsight, the team spent weeks navigating the subtle technical hurdles that had initially obscured the path forward.

## Usage notes

- Often follows 'it is' as a dummy subject (e.g., 'It is obvious that...').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.