Definition

The quality of being easy to see or understand; something that is clear and apparent.

Example

The obviousness of her mistake made it easy for everyone to notice.

Conversation

Did you find the solution to that puzzle difficult?

Not really, the obviousness of the clues made it easy to figure out.

I guess some puzzles just have a way of laying it all out for you.

Exactly! It’s always nice when the answers are clear.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Obviousness → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning over or against) and "via" (meaning way) combined with the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word "obviousness" refers to the quality of being easily seen or understood, as if something is clearly in the way or apparent.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'over' or 'against' the usual way of understanding — that's why obviousness means the quality of being clear and easily understood.

Visually Confused Words