obtrusively
/əbˈtruːsɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /əbˈtruːsɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /|ə̇vlē, -li/ (ame, mw)
obtrusively — adverb
1. Used when something stands out so much that it makes people feel uncomfortable,
Used when something stands out so much that it makes people feel uncomfortable, annoyed, or watched — for example, a sign too large for a quiet street, or a security guard standing right behind a customer in a small shop.
A bright orange logo had been placed obtrusively across the front of the historic library.
verb + obtrusively + prepositional phrase (placed obtrusively across / on / over)
Matthew laughed obtrusively at his own joke during the funeral reception.
The new air conditioner sat obtrusively on the wall of the small Victorian café.
Putri felt that the security guard was following her obtrusively through every aisle.
The architect did not want the new lift to stand obtrusively in the marble hall.
- conspicuously
Neutral — describes being easy to see, without the negative judgement that 'obtrusively' carries
- intrusively
Focuses on invading someone's personal space or privacy rather than visual prominence
- blatantly
Describes something openly wrong or shameless, often a behaviour rather than a physical presence
- unobtrusively
Direct opposite — in a way that does not attract attention, often used as a positive judgement
- discreetly
Carefully avoiding attention, especially out of politeness or tact
文法句型
verb + obtrusively (subject + verb + obtrusively)
obtrusively + adjective (obtrusively + adjective + noun)
用法筆記
Subject is typically a physical object, sign, sound, or behaviour that draws unwanted attention. Often used in writing about design, architecture, or social behaviour. Distinguish from 'noticeably' — 'noticeably' is neutral, while 'obtrusively' carries a clear negative judgement that the thing should be less prominent.