Word
obviously
Phoneticsob·vi·ous·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑbviəsɫi/
UK/ˈɒbvɪəsli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01clearly or plainly
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that is easy to see or understand.
adv. in a manner that is easily perceived, evident, or manifest to the observer.
“She was obviously upset because her eyes were red from crying.”
“The data was obviously flawed, as the results contradicted every established principle of thermodynamics.”
Usage
Typically placed before an adjective or at the start of a clause to modify the entire statement.
Antonyms
02as everyone knows
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adv. used to introduce a fact that you think is already known or expected.
adv. used as a pragmatic marker to introduce information assumed to be common ground between the speaker and listener.
“Obviously, we need to finish the project before the deadline.”
“Obviously, the success of the merger depends on how well the two corporate cultures can be integrated over the next fiscal year.”
Usage
Often used as a sentence-initial adverb followed by a comma.
Teaching tip
In professional settings, overusing this sense can sound condescending, as it implies the listener would be foolish not to already know the information.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “obviously” in context.
Verb
01. obviously depend
“The success of the project will obviously depend on how much money we can raise.”
adv + verb
02. obviously limit
“These new rules will obviously limit our ability to finish the work on time.”
adv + verb
03. obviously relate
“The two issues obviously relate to each other, so we should discuss them together.”
adv + verb
04. obviously require
“Learning a new language will obviously require a lot of time and practice.”
adv + verb
05. obviously vary
“Prices for hotels will obviously vary depending on the time of year you visit.”
adv + verb
06. rejection obviously
Etymology
From obvious + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/obviously