“Apparently” vs. “Obviously”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “apparently” and “obviously”

  • Apparently suggests doubt or uncertainty, while obviously suggests confidence.
  • Apparently implies that the information may not be reliable, while obviously implies that the information is trustworthy.
  • Apparently is often used to introduce rumors or gossip, while obviously is used to state facts or evidence.
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What is the definition of “apparently” and “obviously”?

Apparently
  • Apparently is used when something seems to be true, but it may not actually be true.
  • It implies that the speaker is uncertain, and is often used to introduce secondhand information.
  • It is often used to express surprise or disbelief.
Obviously
  • Obviously is used when something is easily understood or seen.
  • It implies that the speaker is certain, and often implies that the information is self-evident.
  • It is often used to express agreement or assertion.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Obviously” is the more popular variant on the web.
Apparently
568,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Apparently, the movie was very popular among the younger generation.
  2. Apparently, he didn't want to come to the party despite promising to.
  3. Apparently, the company is going through financial difficulties.
More popular
Obviously
575,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Obviously, the baby needs to be fed every few hours.
  2. Obviously, the politician's speech was carefully rehearsed.
  3. Obviously, it was a bad idea to go swimming during a thunderstorm.
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