1pat·ent adjective
always used before a noun 1 /ˈpætn̩t, Brit ˈpeɪtn̩t/ : of, relating to, or concerned with patents
▪ a patent law/lawyer ▪ The company settled a patent dispute last year. ▪ the licensing of patent rights ▪ a patent application ▪ They were sued for patent infringement. ▪ a patent holder/owner 2 /ˈpeɪtn̩t/ formal : obvious or clear
▪ His explanation turned out to be a patent lie. ▪ She acted with patent disregard for the rules.
▪ a patent law/lawyer ▪ The company settled a patent dispute last year. ▪ the licensing of patent rights ▪ a patent application ▪ They were sued for patent infringement. ▪ a patent holder/owner
▪ His explanation turned out to be a patent lie. ▪ She acted with patent disregard for the rules.
— pat·ent·ly adverb
▪ It is patently obvious that she is overqualified for the job.
▪ It is patently obvious that she is overqualified for the job.
