B1adjective 1K

Obvious

UK //ˈɒbvɪəs// US //ˈɑːbvɪəs// Pronunciation

Definition

Easily perceived or understood; clear.

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In simple words: Easy to see or understand

Examples

• It's obvious that she is very talented.
• The answer to the riddle was obvious once I thought about it.
• His disappointment was obvious to everyone around him.
• The instructions were so obvious that we didn't need to follow them.
• It's obvious from his expression that he's not happy.
• She made an obvious mistake in her calculations.

Usage notes

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.

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Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'obvious' as 'obser-via-us' - things we can see clearly.

Collocations

• obvious choice
• obvious answer
• obvious conclusion

Synonyms

• clear
• apparent
• evident
• manifest
• plain

Antonyms

• hidden
• ambiguous
• unclear

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'oblivious', which means unaware.
• Using 'obvious' with negative sentences incorrectly, e.g., 'It's not obvious that he is late.'
• Overusing in formal writing, where 'clear' may be more suitable.