obvious
Something that is easily perceived or understood; quite apparent and clear to the eye or mind. It describes information or situations that do not require much thought or investigation to recognize.
Examples
3 of 5It was obvious from her smile that she had passed the exam.
It was very clear from her expression that she succeeded.
The discrepancy in the financial records was obvious to the seasoned auditor.
The error in the records was easily seen by the professional.
I mean, it's pretty obvious he's into you, right?
It is really easy to see that he likes you.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin roots: 'ob' (in front of) + 'viam' (the way). If something is 'obvious', it is right there 'in the way' on the road where you can't miss it.
Quick Quiz
The solution to the puzzle was so ___ that I can't believe I didn't see it sooner.
Correct!
The correct answer is: obvious
Examples
It was obvious from her smile that she had passed the exam.
everydayIt was very clear from her expression that she succeeded.
The discrepancy in the financial records was obvious to the seasoned auditor.
formalThe error in the records was easily seen by the professional.
I mean, it's pretty obvious he's into you, right?
informalIt is really easy to see that he likes you.
The correlation between the two variables becomes obvious when looking at the scatter plot.
academicThe connection is clearly visible in the data visualization.
There is an obvious need for a more efficient strategy to increase our market share.
businessThere is a clear requirement for a better plan to grow the business.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
it's obvious that
It is clear to see that...
for obvious reasons
Because of reasons that everyone understands
the obvious answer
The solution that comes to mind first
Often Confused With
Apparent can mean something that seems true but might not be, whereas obvious usually implies a certainty of fact.
Evident is more formal and often implies that there is specific evidence supporting the conclusion.
Usage Notes
The word is frequently used with the dummy subject 'it' (e.g., 'It is obvious that...'). It can also be modified by adverbs like 'quite', 'very', or 'blindingly' for emphasis.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'obvious' as a verb; however, it is strictly an adjective. Also, avoid using 'more obvious' when something is either clear or it isn't, though it is grammatically acceptable in comparisons.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin roots: 'ob' (in front of) + 'viam' (the way). If something is 'obvious', it is right there 'in the way' on the road where you can't miss it.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'obvius', meaning 'standing in the way' or 'at hand'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'stating the obvious' can be perceived as slightly sarcastic or patronizing if the information is truly basic.
Quick Quiz
The solution to the puzzle was so ___ that I can't believe I didn't see it sooner.
Correct!
The correct answer is: obvious
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
overhospence
C1Describing a quality of being excessively or intrusively hospitable to the point of making a guest feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. It implies that the host's efforts to be welcoming have crossed a boundary into being burdensome or stifling.
excelership
C1Describing a state of superior leadership and technical mastery, particularly within a corporate or organizational structure. It characterizes individuals or actions that demonstrate both exceptional performance and the ability to guide others toward high-level goals.
homosophful
C1Describing a state of possessing shared wisdom or having a mindset that aligns with universal human understanding. It is often used to characterize individuals or groups that exhibit profound, common-sense insight or an intellectual harmony with their community.
abphotoion
C1To remove or displace an ion from a molecular structure using concentrated light energy or radiation. It is a specialized term used in advanced physics and chemical engineering to describe the precise detachment of particles via photon interaction.
undertrudless
C1To execute a series of tasks or navigate a complex system with a complete absence of resistance or friction. It implies bypassing the usual 'trudge' or difficulty associated with a process, often in a mechanical or systematic way.
prodentation
C1Characterized by the forward projection or protrusion of teeth or tooth-like structures. It is a specialized term used primarily in anatomical, biological, or technical descriptions to indicate a feature that juts outward.
regratine
C1Regratine refers to the historical trade practice of purchasing commodities, particularly food, at a market and reselling them in the same or a nearby market at an inflated price. It was traditionally considered a form of unethical profiteering or price manipulation in medieval and early modern economic systems.
prehabment
C1The process of engaging in physical conditioning and strengthening exercises prior to a surgical procedure or a period of intense physical exertion. It is used to improve physiological resilience, reduce the risk of injury, and accelerate the subsequent recovery process.
anteregess
C1A specialized term used primarily in academic and logical testing contexts to describe a preliminary stage of advancement or a forward-moving phase that precedes a primary event. It represents an initial step in a sequence that establishes the necessary conditions for further progress.
inclarive
C1A noun referring to a rhetorical or logical construct that is intentionally broad yet lacks specific detail, often used to encompass various possibilities without committing to one. It describes a state where inclusion is prioritized over precision, leading to a calculated ambiguity.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free