DictionaryAI

obviously

adverb
SayOB-vee-uhs-lee/ˈɑ(b).vi(.)əs.li/UK/ˈɒ(b).vi.əs.li/

2 meanings of obviously

Practice

  1. 1
    clearlyadverb
    In a way that is clearly apparent and easy to notice or recognize.

    He was obviously nervous, fidgeting with his pen all through the meeting.

    He was obviously exhausted after the night shift, yawning through every sentence and struggling to keep his eyes open.

    Similarclearly, evidently, plainly, visibly

  2. 2
    for emphasisadverbcolloquial
    Used as a filler or to introduce information for emphasis, even when the point is not actually obvious.

    Obviously, you can stay with us as long as you need to.

    Well, obviously I'm going to back you up, whatever the others decide.

    UsageOften at the start of a sentence, sometimes after well; overusing it can sound rude, as if the listener should already know.

    Similarnaturally

Practice

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Origin

Formed from "obvious" combined with the suffix "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact