obvious

[ob-vee-uhs]

adjective

1. easily seen, recognized, or understood; open to view or knowledge; evident.

   an obvious advantage.

   Synonyms: unmistakable, palpable, clear, manifest, plain
   Antonyms: hidden

2. lacking in subtlety.

3. Obsolete.,  being or standing in the way.

obvious

/ ˈɒbvɪəs /

adjective

1. easy to see or understand; evident

2. exhibiting motives, feelings, intentions, etc, clearly or without subtlety

3. naive or unsubtle

   the play was rather obvious

4. obsolete,  being or standing in the way

Other Word Forms

• obviousness noun
• obviously adverb
• nonobvious adjective
• nonobviously adverb
• nonobviousness noun
• overobvious adjective
• preobvious adjective
• preobviously adverb
• preobviousness noun
• unobvious adjective
• unobviously adverb
• unobviousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obvious¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin obvius “in the way, lying in the path,” equivalent to ob- ob- ( def. ) + vi(a) way ¹ ( def. ) + -us, adjective suffix ( -ous ( def. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of obvious¹

C16: from Latin obvius, from obviam in the way, from ob- against + via way

Synonym Study

See apparent.

Example Sentences

The third part of his legacy is far less obvious, though no less important.

From BBC

He said nothing of the potential psychology of the night, but it was obvious.

From BBC

The most obvious addition to attendees this year was a coterie of lobbyists touring the venue trying to understand how they might work with a Reform-led government.

From BBC

After a bit of analysis comes the humor, which should be sharp but cunning, never the obvious punchline that you might see online or hear tossed out in the office kitchen.

From Salon

The crisis facing local journalism doesn’t feel like an obvious backdrop for comedy — and if you’re in it, it’s more of a can’t-help-but-laugh-to-keep-from-crying vibe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accessible 
• clear 
• conspicuous 
• discernible 
• distinct 
• evident 
• glaring 
• indisputable 
• noticeable 
• overt 
• palpable 
• pronounced 
• recognizable www.thesaurus.com
• self-evident 
• straightforward 
• undeniable 
• unmistakable 
• visible