deutlich

Deutlich is a German word used as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective it means clear, distinct, evident, or explicit; as an adverb it means clearly or plainly. It can describe perceptible qualities such as visibility, audibility, or intelligibility, and it can also qualify statements to indicate that something is obvious or unambiguous.

Etymology and related terms: The word form combines a Germanic root with the common -lich suffix to express a characteristic. It is historically linked to the sense of showing or indicating something plainly. Cognates exist in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch duidelijk, reflecting a shared heritage around the idea of perceptible clarity.

Usage: In attributive position, it inflects for gender and case (ein deutliches Zeichen, deutliche Unterschiede, deutlichere Unterschiede). In predicative position it remains deutschlich: Die Signale sind deutlich. As an adverb, it modifies verbs or adjectives: deutlich sprechen, deutlich größer, deutlich besser. Phrases such as deutlich machen mean “to make clear” or “to clarify.” The term often signals that a perception or conclusion is strong or unambiguous, though it does not always imply absolute certainty.

Nuance and synonyms: Deutlich conveys clarity or conspicuousness but is slightly less forceful than eindeutig (unambiguous). Synonyms include klar, offensichtlich, eindeutig; antonyms include undeutlich, unklar, verschwommen. The word appears across journalism, science, and everyday speech to emphasize perceptible clarity, explicitness, or measurable difference.