B2 verb Neutral

obvious

/ˈɒbviəs/

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 5
1

It was obvious from her smile that she had passed the exam.

It was very clear from her expression that she succeeded.

2

The discrepancy in the financial records was obvious to the seasoned auditor.

The error in the records was easily seen by the professional.

3

I mean, it's pretty obvious he's into you, right?

It is really easy to see that he likes you.

Word Family

Noun
obviousness
Adverb
obviously
Adjective
obvious
Related
evidence
💡

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

1

It was obvious from her smile that she had passed the exam.

everyday

It was very clear from her expression that she succeeded.

2

The discrepancy in the financial records was obvious to the seasoned auditor.

formal

The error in the records was easily seen by the professional.

3

I mean, it's pretty obvious he's into you, right?

informal

It is really easy to see that he likes you.

4

The correlation between the two variables becomes obvious when looking at the scatter plot.

academic

The connection is clearly visible in the data visualization.

5

There is an obvious need for a more efficient strategy to increase our market share.

business

There is a clear requirement for a better plan to grow the business.

Word Family

Noun
obviousness
Adverb
obviously
Adjective
obvious
Related
evidence

Common Collocations

obvious choice The most logical selection
painfully obvious Extremely and perhaps awkwardly clear
state the obvious To say something that everyone already knows
obvious reason A clear motive or cause
blindingly obvious So clear that it is impossible to ignore

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

obvious vs apparent

Apparent can mean something that seems true but might not be, whereas obvious usually implies a certainty of fact.

obvious vs evident

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

It is obvious (to someone) that... obvious + noun become/seem obvious
🌍

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 Phrases

Related Words

overhospence

C1

Describing 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

C1

Describing 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

C1

Describing 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

C1

To 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

C1

To 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

C1

Characterized 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

C1

Regratine 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

C1

The 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

C1

A 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

C1

A 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.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free