Word
overtly
Phoneticsovert·ly
US/oʊˈvɝtɫi/
UK/əʊvˈɜːtli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is open and easy to see. You use this when someone does not try to hide their feelings or actions.
adv. in an open, manifest, or non-secretive manner. Frequently used to modify adjectives or verbs that describe political, social, or emotional stances.
Examples
“The company was overtly hostile to the new regulations.”
“Although the film is not overtly political, it contains several scenes that critique the current government.”
“The candidate's speech was overtly designed to appeal to rural voters, utilizing specific regional dialects and addressing local economic concerns that had been previously ignored.”
Examples
simple
“The company was overtly hostile to the new regulations.”
contextual
“Although the film is not overtly political, it contains several scenes that critique the current government.”
complex
“The candidate's speech was overtly designed to appeal to rural voters, utilizing specific regional dialects and addressing local economic concerns that had been previously ignored.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb.
Pitfall
He overtly to the plan.
He was overtly opposed to the plan.
Overtly is an adverb and cannot function as a verb; it must modify an adjective or a verb.
Real-World Examples
“It’s not overtly political, but “making something that is pro-journalism speaks for itself in terms of protecting it and caring about it”, says Gleeson, who considers himself “very much on the left”.” “The most overtly political questions come at the end.” Etymology
From overt + -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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/overtly