obviously

UK: ˈɒb.vi.əs.li | US: ˈɑːb.vi.əs.li

Definition

  1. adv. in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly

  2. adv. used to emphasize that something is unmistakably true

Structure
obvious <clear>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

obvious<clear> + ly<adverb suffix>

  • obvious: From Latin obvius ("in the way, meeting, exposed"), from ob- ("against") + via ("way"). Originally meant "lying in the way" (literally or figuratively), later evolving to "easily perceived."
  • ly: Old English adverbial suffix -līce, used to form adverbs from adjectives.

Etymology Origin:
The word "obviously" traces back to the Latin obvius, which combined ob- (against) and via (way). The literal sense of "lying in the path" shifted metaphorically to "clear to see" in English by the 16th century. The suffix -ly was added to form the adverb, reinforcing the idea of unmistakable clarity.

Examples

  1. She was obviously tired after the long journey.

  2. The answer to the puzzle was obviously correct.

  3. He obviously didn’t read the instructions.

  4. The team’s victory was obviously well-deserved.

  5. The error in the report was obviously overlooked.