Obviously vs Evidently: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about when to use “obviously” or “evidently” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and should be used in different contexts.

We should clarify which of the two words is the proper word to use. While both can be correct in certain situations, “evidently” is the more appropriate choice when you want to indicate that something is clearly and unmistakably true based on the available evidence. On the other hand, “obviously” is used to suggest that something is self-evident or easily understood without the need for further explanation.

To put it simply, “obviously” means something is apparent or obvious without needing further explanation, while “evidently” means something is apparent based on the available evidence.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words in more detail and provide examples of how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Obviously

Obviously is an adverb that is used to describe a situation, action, or statement that is very clear or easy to understand. It is often used to emphasize that something is self-evident or requires no further explanation. For example, if someone says, “Obviously, the sun rises in the east,” they are indicating that this fact is so well-known and universally accepted that it requires no further elaboration.

Another way to think of obviously is as a synonym for “clearly” or “plainly.” It is often used in informal conversation and writing, but can also be found in more formal contexts. For instance, in a legal document, a phrase like “the defendant obviously intended to deceive the plaintiff” might be used to assert a point that is not in dispute.

Define Evidently

Evidently is also an adverb that is used to describe a situation, action, or statement that is clear or obvious. However, it differs from obviously in that it implies that the conclusion being drawn is based on evidence or observation, rather than simply being self-evident. For example, if someone says, “Evidently, the suspect was at the scene of the crime,” they are indicating that this conclusion is based on some sort of evidence or observation, such as a witness statement or surveillance footage.

Evidently can also be used to indicate that something is likely or probable, based on the available evidence. For instance, if a scientist says, “Evidently, there is water on Mars,” they are suggesting that the available evidence strongly supports this conclusion, even if it has not been definitively proven.

Differences between obviously and evidently

Obviously	Evidently
Indicates something is self-evident or requires no further explanation	Implies that a conclusion is based on evidence or observation
Used to emphasize a point	Used to suggest a conclusion based on evidence
Often used in informal contexts	Can be used in formal or informal contexts

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make or break the effectiveness of your message. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings are “obviously” and “evidently”. Here’s how to use them correctly.

How To Use “Obviously” In A Sentence

The word “obviously” is used to indicate that something is clear or apparent without needing further explanation. It is often used to emphasize a point or to express frustration when someone doesn’t understand something that seems obvious. Here are some examples:

• Obviously, the sky is blue.
• The answer to that question is obviously yes.
• She obviously didn’t read the instructions before starting the project.

When using “obviously” in a sentence, be careful not to use it in a condescending or sarcastic tone, as it can come across as rude or dismissive.

How To Use “Evidently” In A Sentence

The word “evidently” is used to indicate that something is likely or probable based on the available evidence. It is often used to introduce a conclusion or to express surprise at a discovery. Here are some examples:

• Evidently, the suspect had an accomplice.
• The experiment was a failure, evidently due to a faulty apparatus.
• He had evidently been practicing his speech for weeks.

When using “evidently” in a sentence, make sure to provide the evidence or context that supports your conclusion. Using “evidently” without any explanation can make your statement seem unsupported or arbitrary.

More Examples Of Obviously & Evidently Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the usage of “obviously” and “evidently” in sentences, let’s take a look at some more examples:

Examples Of Using “Obviously” In A Sentence:

• Obviously, we need to finish this project before the deadline.
• He obviously didn’t read the instructions before starting.
• She obviously has a lot of experience in this field.
• It’s obviously going to rain today.
• Obviously, he was lying about his qualifications.
• That’s obviously not the right way to do it.
• Obviously, we need to make some changes to the plan.
• She obviously didn’t understand the question.
• It’s obviously a difficult problem to solve.
• Obviously, he’s not happy with the results.

Examples Of Using “Evidently” In A Sentence:

• Evidently, he didn’t receive the memo about the meeting.
• She evidently knows a lot about the topic.
• Evidently, the company is going through some financial difficulties.
• He evidently didn’t prepare for the presentation.
• Evidently, the product is not as popular as they thought.
• She evidently didn’t like the new design.
• Evidently, there was a miscommunication between the departments.
• He evidently doesn’t have the skills for the job.
• Evidently, the system is not working properly.
• She evidently didn’t follow the instructions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “obviously” and “evidently”, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Obviously” As A Crutch

Many people use “obviously” as a filler word when they are unsure of what to say. However, this can be a mistake as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. For example, saying “Obviously, you don’t understand” can be seen as rude and unhelpful. Instead, try to explain your point in a clear and concise way without relying on filler words.

Using “Evidently” When “Obviously” Is More Appropriate

Another common mistake is using “evidently” when “obviously” would be a better fit. “Evidently” means that something is clear from the evidence or information available, while “obviously” means that something is clear without needing any evidence or explanation. For example, saying “Evidently, the company is struggling” suggests that there is evidence to support this claim, while “Obviously, the sky is blue” is a statement that does not require any evidence.

Confusing The Meanings Of “Obviously” And “Evidently”

Finally, some people use “obviously” and “evidently” interchangeably, without realizing that they have different meanings. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, try to be mindful of the words you use and their meanings. If you are unsure of which word to use, take a moment to look up their definitions or ask someone for clarification. By using these words correctly, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “obviously” and “evidently,” context is key. While both words convey a sense of certainty, they are not always interchangeable. The context in which they are used can often determine which word is more appropriate.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

Context	Word Choice	Explanation
Scientific Research	Evidently	In scientific research, “evidently” is often used to indicate that a conclusion or finding is supported by empirical evidence. For example, “The results of the study evidently show that the treatment is effective.”
Casual Conversation	Obviously	When speaking casually, “obviously” can be used to express a sense of common knowledge or understanding. For example, “Obviously, you need to wear sunscreen at the beach.”
Legal Proceedings	Evidently	In legal proceedings, “evidently” is often used to indicate that a fact or piece of evidence is clear and indisputable. For example, “The defendant was caught on camera committing the crime, evidently proving his guilt.”
Technical Writing	Obviously	When writing technical documents, “obviously” can be used to indicate a logical conclusion or inference. For example, “Obviously, if the system is not properly maintained, it will fail.”

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “obviously” and “evidently” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and purpose of the writing, as well as the intended audience, when deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “obviously” and “evidently” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

1. Irony Or Sarcasm

When used in a sarcastic or ironic context, “obviously” can actually indicate the opposite of what is being said. In these cases, the speaker is using the word to emphasize the absurdity of the statement or situation. For example:

• “Oh, obviously I’m thrilled to have to work on a Saturday.”
• “Obviously, I’m just thrilled to be stuck in traffic for hours.”

In these cases, the speaker is clearly not actually thrilled, but is using “obviously” to convey their frustration or annoyance.

2. Different Interpretations

There may be cases where two people have different interpretations of a situation, and what is “obvious” to one person is not to another. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use “evidently” to acknowledge that there are differing opinions. For example:

• “Evidently, we have different ideas about what constitutes a healthy diet.”
• “Evidently, we have different interpretations of the data.”

Using “obviously” in these situations may come across as dismissive or condescending.

3. Cultural Or Linguistic Differences

In some cases, what is “obvious” in one culture or language may not be in another. For example, certain idioms or cultural references may not be familiar to someone from a different background. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use “apparently” or “seemingly” to convey that there is a difference in perspective. For example:

• “Apparently, this dish is a delicacy in some parts of the world.”
• “Seemingly, this reference is lost on our international audience.”

Using “obviously” in these situations may be confusing or misleading to those who are not familiar with the cultural or linguistic reference.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of obviously and evidently requires practice. Here are a few exercises to help readers hone their skills:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the best word to complete the following sentences:

Sentence	Word Choices
The sky is __________ blue today.	obviously / evidently
He was __________ upset when he found out he didn’t get the job.	obviously / evidently
The company’s profits have __________ increased over the past year.	obviously / evidently

Answer Key:

• The sky is obviously blue today.
• He was evidently upset when he found out he didn’t get the job.
• The company’s profits have evidently increased over the past year.

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using obviously or evidently:

1. It’s clear that the team is going to win the game.
2. The results of the experiment suggest that the hypothesis is correct.
3. The company’s financial situation is clearly improving.

Answer Key:

1. The team is obviously going to win the game.
2. The hypothesis is evidently correct based on the results of the experiment.
3. The company’s financial situation is evidently improving.

By practicing these exercises, readers can become more confident in their use of obviously and evidently in everyday writing and conversation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of “obviously” and “evidently” in written and spoken language can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication. While both words may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage that should be understood by writers and speakers.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• The word “obviously” should be used when something is clear or self-evident without the need for further explanation.
• The word “evidently” should be used when there is evidence or proof to support a claim or statement.
• Overusing either word can detract from the credibility of the speaker or writer.
• It is important to consider the audience and context when choosing between “obviously” and “evidently.”

It is important for writers and speakers to continue learning about proper grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate their ideas and messages. By understanding the subtle differences between commonly confused words like “obviously” and “evidently,” we can improve our communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.