In a way that makes meaning, evidence, or perception easy to recognize.
Reach for it when describing communication or demonstration that leaves little room for confusion
The diagram clearly shows which valve controls each floor.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal |
everyday
Fits when the message reaches the point without detour
Careful Direct speech can be blunt and still fail to explain clearly.
everyday
plainly
Fits when directness and obviousness should be emphasized
Careful Plainly can sound impatient, as if disagreement is unreasonable.
professional
coherently
Fits when ideas connect logically as a whole
Careful Coherence does not guarantee that each term is understandable.
professional
explicitly
Fits when something is fully stated rather than implied
Careful An explicit statement can still be confusing or poorly organized.
formal
Fits when a sight, sound, or memory is sharply perceptible
Careful Distinctly is less suitable for explaining a chain of reasoning.
formal
lucidly
Fits when complex reasoning is expressed with intellectual clarity
Careful The elevated adverb feels unnatural for a simple label or spoken direction.
state clearly
The notice must state clearly when the road will reopen.
clearly visible
The trail marker is clearly visible from both directions.
explain clearly
Could you explain clearly how the two fees differ?
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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