Clear vs Obvious
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Clear | Obvious | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Easy to see through or understand. | Easy to see or understand |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'clear' to describe something easily understood or free of obstructions. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly technical discussions where precision matters. | Use 'obvious' to indicate something that doesn't need explanation. It's neutral and fits in various contexts, but avoid it in overly formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Clear vs Obvious
What's the difference between "Clear" and "Obvious"?
"Clear" means: Easy to see through or understand. "Obvious" means: Easy to see or understand
When should I use "Clear" and "Obvious"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Clear" and "Obvious" the same CEFR level?
"Clear" is at A2, "Obvious" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.