Clearly means in a way that's easy to understand, see, or hear. When a teacher explains a math problem clearly, every step makes sense and students can follow the reasoning. When you speak clearly, your words come out distinctly so listeners don't have to ask, “What did you say?”

The word also describes something obvious or unmistakable. If you studied hard and scored 100% on every practice test, you're clearly ready for the real exam. When storm clouds gather and the wind picks up, it's clearly going to rain soon. In these cases, clearly means the evidence points strongly in one direction, leaving little room for doubt.

Sometimes people use clearly to emphasize a point they believe should be obvious to everyone: “This is clearly the better choice.” But what seems clear to you might not seem clear to someone else who sees things differently.

The opposite of clearly is vaguely, obscurely, or confusingly. Good writing, good speaking, and good thinking all share one trait: they express ideas clearly.