What is patently? Pronunciation and usage in English

patently means . Learn how to pronounce and use patently through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of patently

patentlyadverb

/ˈpeɪtntli//ˈpætntli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "patently." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

  • The word is divided into two syllables: pat - ten - tly

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • Pat: Pronounced like "pat" as in "pat your head." (IPA: /pæt/)
  • Ten: Pronounced like "ten" as in "ten dollars." (IPA: /tɛn/)
  • tly: This is the tricky part! This is a common spelling but not a common pronunciation. It represents a suffix. It sounds like "tilly". (IPA: /ˈtɪli/)

3. Combined Pronunciation:

Put it all together, and you get: ** /ˈpætənˈtɪli/ **

Here's a phonetic guide to help you (listen and repeat after me):

  • ˈpæt (like “pat”)
  • ən (like “un”)
  • ˈtɪli (like "tilly" - with a short "i" sound)

Resources to hear it:

Tips:

  • Don't stress the "tly": The "tly" is often a little softened and blended into "ten". It’s not pronounced as a separate "t" sound.
  • Focus on "tilly": Really try to get the sound of "tilly" correct. It's a key element of the pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any particular part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word patently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "patently" in English. It's a slightly more formal and emphatic word than "obviously," and it adds a sense of undeniable truth.

1. Meaning:

"Patently" means obviously, undeniably, or blatantly. It indicates that something is so clear that there's no room for argument or doubt.

2. How to Use It - Grammatical Structure:

  • As an Adverb: This is the most common usage. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
    • Example: "He patently disliked the idea." (He disliked it in a way that was completely obvious.)
    • Example: "The solution was patently simple." (The solution was undeniably simple.)
    • Example: "She spoke patently loudly." (She spoke so loudly that it was obvious.)

3. Examples in Sentences (Showing Different Contexts):

  • Describing a Fact: “It’s patently clear that the economy is struggling.”
  • Expressing Disagreement (with a strong emphasis): “You're patently wrong to think that.”
  • Highlighting a Problem: “The building was patently unsafe—it needed immediate repairs.”
  • Showing a Lack of Surprise: “He patently failed the exam.” (Meaning: It was completely predictable that he would fail).
  • Describing a quality: “The diamond was patently flawless.”

4. Important Notes & Nuances:

  • Formal Tone: “Patently” is generally considered more formal than “obviously.” It’s suitable for written English (especially academic or legal writing) and more polished spoken English. Using it in casual conversation might sound a bit stiff.

  • Emphasis: Its primary function is to add emphasis to the obviousness of something. It’s stronger than simply saying “obviously.”

  • Don't Overuse: Like any word, overuse can be detrimental. If you find yourself frequently saying "patently," consider if there's a more natural or less formal way to express your thought.

5. Synonyms (Words that capture a similar meaning):

  • Obviously
  • Undeniably
  • Plainly
  • Clearly
  • Evidently
  • Without question
  • Plainly

Let's Practice:

Can you rewrite these sentences using "patently"?

  1. It was very easy to see that she was upset.
  2. He did not pass the test; it was a foregone conclusion.
  3. The rain was coming down in sheets.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using "patently" in a sentence?
  • Explain how it compares to other words with similar meanings (like "obviously") in more detail?

Synonyms for the word patently

Practice with vocabulary patently

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee found the defendant's alibi to be _______ implausible given the surveillance footage.
  2. During the negotiation, it became _______ clear that the opposing party was unwilling to compromise on key terms.
  3. Based on the preliminary data, the project is _______ behind schedule, requiring immediate attention.
  4. The final decision on the budget allocation will _______ depend on the quarterly financial review.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO's explanation for the declining profits was so convoluted and inconsistent that it was _______ false. A) plausibly B) potentially C) patently D) somewhat

  2. It is _______ unfair to expect employees to work overtime without compensation, especially when the company is profitable. A) arguably B) patently C) tangibly D) possibly

  3. The lack of essential safety features in the new prototype made its design _______ dangerous. (Select all that apply) A) patently B) evidently C) subtly D) profoundly E) apparently

  4. To avoid misunderstandings, all instructions must be _______ articulated and documented. A) ambiguously B) concisely C) vaguely D) abstractly

  5. The board members seemed united in their decision, but underlying tensions were _______ present. A) outwardly B) explicitly C) subtly D) overtly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was very clear that her argument lacked any factual basis. Rewrite the sentence using "patently" or a related word form.

  2. Everyone could easily see that the company's financial projections were overly optimistic and unrealistic. Rewrite the sentence using "patently" or a related word form.

  3. Despite his efforts to appear calm, his discomfort during the interview was extremely clear to everyone present. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "extremely clear", but do not use "patently".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. patently
  2. patently
  3. evidently
  4. ultimately

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) patently
  2. B) patently
  3. A) patently, B) evidently, E) apparently
  4. B) concisely
  5. C) subtly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her argument was patently lacking in factual basis.
  2. The company's financial projections were patently overly optimistic and unrealistic.
  3. Despite his efforts to appear calm, his discomfort during the interview was manifestly clear to everyone present.

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