clearly
Americanadverb
-
in a clear manner.
It is difficult to explain complex matters clearly.
-
without equivocation; decidedly.
It is clearly out of the question to drop the case.
adverb
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in a clear, distinct, or obvious manner
I could see everything quite clearly
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(sentence modifier) it is obvious that; evidently
clearly the social services must be flexible
Usage
What is a basic definition of clearly? Clearly means in a clear manner or way, without uncertainty. Clearly also means happening in a way that is obvious or occurring without question. Clearly is an adverb formed from the word clear, which means free from obscurity or free from doubt. If something happens without blurriness or cloudiness, it happens clearly. For example, when you speak clearly, you are not mumbling or stuttering.
- Real-life examples: Many people wear glasses to help them see clearly. Teachers try to explain subjects clearly to students so they don’t get confused or fail to understand the material. Many right-handed people struggle to write clearly with their left hand.
- Used in a sentence: I couldn’t hear clearly because I had water in my ears.
- Used in a sentence: I am allergic to peanuts so it clearly wasn’t me who ate the last of the peanut butter.
Synonym Usage
Clearly, definitely, distinctly, evidently imply the way in which something is plainly understood or understandable. Clearly suggests without doubt or obscurity: expressed clearly. Definitely means explicitly; with precision: definitely phrased. Distinctly means without blurring or confusion: distinctly enunciated. Evidently means patently, unquestionably: evidently an error.
Etymology
Origin of clearly
First recorded in 1250–1300, Middle English clerli; see clear, -ly
Explanation
Things that are done clearly can be easily understood. If you've clearly explained the rules before you start playing, your friends will have more fun and ask you fewer questions. The adverb clearly is also a great word to use when something's obvious. If your little sister bursts into tears at the sight of the birthday clown, she's clearly terrified. And if everyone flubs their lines at the dress rehearsal of the school play, you clearly need extra practice before opening night. With your new glasses, you can see clearly, and you might say, "Clearly, I needed these!"
Vocabulary lists containing clearly
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ly
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Struggle in Medieval Europe, Lessons 1–2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The U.S. oil export machine is clearly unsustainable, though, and will incrementally slow down as commercial crude inventories are emptying and SPR has been drawn to historic lows,” he says in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
And it is based on a type of attempted economic revolution in the pricing mechanism that clearly does value a certain type of fan more - those on the diagonally upwards line of that graph.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
These things are hilarious because screenwriters Christina Friel and Connor Wright clearly approached the script by trying to make everything legitimately funny, instead of assuming that provocation immediately equates to humor.
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026
By communicating clearly about logistics beforehand, you can ensure that everyone has a nice time — and comes home as friends.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
He made the pronouncement in a loud voice, to clearly communicate that he did not want to be here, did not want to have another stupid opportunity shoved down his throat.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
