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apparently

apparently

2.8
Something that seems true from what you know or see but may not be
  • adverb
  • /əˈpɛərəntli/
translation icon : al parecer
  • But, Pat, apparently there are similarities to a case from four years ago.
  • apparently thought
  • apparently willing to go
  • apparently too

It was my first cell phone and apparently this thing works.

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Examples

  • All right, so apparently I need a little help.

  • I could use the exercise, apparently.

  • And, and apparently I can pull off both.

  • And they apparently burn a lot less hot, too.

  • But in real life, apparently, he did cave.

  • Apparently it's her second revenue stream.

  • The objective in both cases is apparently to secure domestic agricultural production.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There was some question of his resigning on health grounds, but apparently the Holy Father convinced him to continue.

  • The Walls of Jericho were apparently built to protect against flooding, not warfare.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Apparently, apparently the meeting has been postponed until next week.

Synonyms

probably
vsapparently
1.0

Likely to happen or be true but not certain

emphasizes appearance from known facts rather than statistical likelihood
supposedly
vsapparently
406 3.4

Said to be true but not certain

focuses more on what known or observed evidence suggests rather than belief
presumably
vsapparently
278 4.3

To say that something is likely but not certain

is about appearing true from evidence rather than logical likelihood
seemingly
vsapparently
253 3.7

It looks true from what you see, but may not be

is similar but covers any known evidence not only visible signs
allegedly
vsapparently
  • Literature
252 5.4

Said to be true but with no proof

is broader, saying something appears true from what is known
reportedly
vsapparently
  • Literature
234 3.7

As people or the news say

is used when observation or direct evidence makes something seem true
evidently
vsapparently
185 3.5

It is clear from facts or signs

expresses a weaker appearance, suggesting truth but allowing doubt
ostensibly
vsapparently
43 7.5

In a way that seems true but may not be

is about what looks true from known facts rather than stated claims
purportedly
vsapparently
18 7.2

People claim it is true but it is not proven

is about what seems true from evidence rather than unverified claims
on the face of it
vsapparently
12 5.5

Something looks true at first but may not be

relies on observed or reported evidence rather than only surface looks
putatively
vsapparently
  • Formal
1 8.1

In a way that people believe is true but is not proven

is based on available observation rather than widespread assumption

How Certain

certainly
1.0
clearly
881 1.0
evidently
185 3.5
apparently
2.8
seemingly
253 3.7

Surface Forms

apparently positive

Morphology

apparently = apparent (transparent) = apparent + ly

The adverb is a straightforward derivation from the adjective 'apparent' with the productive suffix '-ly', so learners who know 'apparent' can easily infer 'apparently'.

Etymology

The word apparently comes from appear, which means 'to be seen' or 'to show up', and from apparent, meaning 'seen' or 'clear'. So apparently is like saying 'as it appears' — we use it when something 'seems' true from what we can see or know.