Something that is apparent is readily seen or perceived; it is obvious. For instance, a solution to a problem that is apparent to all is widely seen and understood—it requires no uncovering or pointing out. However, things are not always what they seem with this wily adjective! Apparent is frequently used to imply room between what is actual and what appears to be true.

Likewise is a versatile adverb that emphasizes similarity. Sometimes it is closer to “also" or "in addition,” and other times it means “similarly” or “in the same way.” It is commonly found with the verb do, as in someone urging another to do likewise, or do the same. And lastly, there’s the conversational likewise, which sometimes stands alone and is functionally equivalent to “me too," "same here," or "right back at you."

The adjective decisive is used to describe important moments or actions that put an end to controversy or clarify a path forward—things that decide an outcome. It’s also applied to outcomes that are indisputable, as a decisive defeat, and to circumstances that point overwhelmingly toward a particular outcome, as a decisive lead in votes.