# overtly

/oʊˈvɝtɫi/ (US) · /əʊvˈɜːtli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overtly
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

in a way that is open and easy to see. You use this when someone does not try to hide their feelings or actions.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He overtly to the plan." but "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.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb.

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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.