obvious
UK: ˈɒbviəs | US: ˈɑːbviəs
adj. easily perceived or understood; clear
adj. lacking subtlety; blatant
obvious = ob<in the way> + vi<see> + ous<adjective suffix>
- ob (Latin ob-): "in the way," "against"
- vi (Latin videre): "to see" (related to vision, visible)
- ous: adjective-forming suffix indicating possession of a quality
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin obvius ("in the way, meeting"), combining ob- (blocking) + via ("way"). The original sense was "lying in the path" (e.g., an obstacle). By the 16th century, it evolved to mean "plain to see" because anything blocking a path is immediately noticeable. The modern sense emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity.
The solution to the problem was obvious once she explained it.
His disappointment was obvious from his frown.
The sign made it obvious which path to take.
She avoided stating the obvious to keep the conversation engaging.
The error in the report was obvious to everyone except the author.