clearly
- 1Without doubt; in a way that is obvious or easy to see.
Clearly, the plan had failed before it even got off the ground.
She was clearly the most qualified candidate in the room.
UsageAt the start with a comma, it means obviously: Clearly, the plan failed. At the end it usually means in a clear way.
- 2In a clear manner; in a way that is distinct, transparent, or easily perceived or understood.
The pilot announced the delay clearly over the intercom.
Good textbooks explain difficult concepts clearly and without jargon.
UsageUsually after the verb or its object: speak clearly, explain it clearly. Compare with more clearly, most clearly.
Similarplainly, distinctly, lucidly
Oppositevaguely, indistinctly
Note
Here the word describes how something is done: a syllable enunciated clearly, a concept explained clearly. Older English could compare it as clearlier and clearliest where we now say more clearly and most clearly.
Use it in a sentence
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Origin
From Middle English clerli (also spelled clerely, cleerliche, and similar forms), equivalent to "clear" plus the suffix "-ly".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Clearly derives from Middle English clerli, with variant spellings including clerely and cleerliche. en.wiktionary.org
- Clearly is equivalent to clear plus the adverbial suffix -ly. en.wiktionary.org