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Definition of "obvious" []

  • Easily perceived or understood; quite apparent. See Synonyms at apparent. (adjective)
  • Easily seen through because of a lack of subtlety; transparent: an obvious political ploy. (adjective)
  • Archaic Standing in the way or in front. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "obvious" in a sentence
  • "Mexico, how identical in shape and size with the protuberance of Africa just opposite, and how the protuberance of the Venezuelan and Brazilian coast fits in with the in-curve of Africa: so that it is obvious to me -- it is quite _obvious_ -- that they once were one; and one night rushed so far apart; and the wild Atlantic knew that thing, and ran gladly, hasting in between: and how if eye of flesh had been there to see, and ear to hear that cruel thundering, my God, my God -- what horror!"
  • "As I was wondering how I can write an interesting post about a struggle for the obvious (collective agreement, job security etc), it suddenly came to me: the fact that the academic staff has to fight for the obvious is the whole point here."
  • "“We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”"