What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overt
Example
The company made an overt attempt to improve its public image. [overt: adjective]
Example
She made an overt gesture of kindness by offering to help her neighbor. [overt: adjective]
obvious
Example
It's obvious that he's not interested in what we're saying. [obvious: adjective]
Example
The answer to the question was obvious from the start. [obvious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obvious is more commonly used than overt in everyday language. Obvious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overt is less common and often used in specific formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overt and obvious?
Overt is more formal and often used in legal or political contexts, while obvious is more informal and used in everyday language.