DictionaryAI

obvious

adjective
SayOB-vee-uhs/ˈɑb.vi.əs/UK/ˈɒ.vɪəs/

2 meanings of obvious

Practice

  1. 1
    clearadjective
    Easy to see or understand, so no one needs to explain it.

    Like a big red sign you can't walk past without noticing.

    The mistake in his homework was obvious to the teacher.

    She dropped an obvious hint about the surprise party.

    UsageSay obvious to someone, or it is obvious that ...

    Similarclear, evident, apparent, plain, noticeable

    Oppositeunclear, hidden, obscure

  2. 2
    not subtleadjectivedisapproving
    Too easy to guess or see through, so it is not clever or new.

    The ending of the movie was so obvious that I guessed it in the first ten minutes.

    Stop staring at her all the time. You're being way too obvious!

    UsageOften used with too: too obvious.

    Similarpredictable, transparent, unsubtle

    Oppositesubtle

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Origin

From Latin obvius, meaning "in the way" or "easy to reach." It came from ob- ("before") and via ("way").

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts