obvious
Pronunciation: /ˈɒbviəs/
adjective
Definition of obvious
Easily perceived or understood; clear
Synonyms for obvious
obvious in a Sentence
- The obvious solution to traffic congestion is to improve public transportation.
Why obvious Matters for GRE & SAT
"obvious" is a adjective that means "Easily perceived or understood; clear" closely related to words like "clear", "evident", "apparent". As a word starting with O, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "obvious" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "obvious" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "obvious" into long-term memory.
How to Remember obvious
One effective way to remember "obvious" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "clear" and "evident" and "apparent". When you encounter "obvious" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "Easily perceived or understood; clear".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "obvious" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with O
- obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
- obeisance — reverence for an individual
- obfuscate — obscure or confuse
- objective — A thing aimed at or sought; not influenced by personal feelings
- objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts
- objective — Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; impartial
- obligation — An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound
- oblige — To require someone to do something by law or moral pressure
- oblivious — not aware of or not noticing something
- oblivious — Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one