— apparently , adv. — apparentness , n.
/euh par"euhnt, euh pair"-/ , adj.
1. readily seen; exposed to sight; open to view; visible: The crack in the wall was readily apparent.
2. capable of being easily perceived or understood; plain or clear; obvious: The solution to the problem was apparent to all.
3. according to appearances, initial evidence, incomplete results, etc.; ostensible rather than actual: He was the apparent winner of the election.
4. entitled to a right of inheritance by birth, indefeasible except by one's death before that of the ancestor, to an inherited throne, title, or other estate. Cf. heir apparent, heir presumptive .
[ 1350-1400; apparent- (s. of apparens appearing; see APPEAR, -ENT); r. ME aparant ]
Syn. 1. discernible. 2. open, conspicuous, manifest, unmistakable. APPARENT, EVIDENT, OBVIOUS, PATENT all refer to something easily perceived. APPARENT applies to that which can readily be seen or perceived: an apparent effort. EVIDENT applies to that which facts or circumstances make plain: His innocence was evident. OBVIOUS applies to that which is unquestionable, because of being completely manifest or noticeable: an obvious change of method. PATENT, a more formal word, applies to that which is open to view or understanding by all: a patent error.
Ant. 2. concealed, obscure.