apparently

apparently — adverb

1. used to pass on information you heard or read, while showing that you cannot ful

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to pass on information you heard or read, while showing that you cannot fully check it yourself.

Example

Apparently, the school bus will leave early because of the storm.

apparently, + clause for second-hand news

Rosa apparently sold her old bike to a boy next door.

subject + apparently + past verb

Common collocations
  • apparently be moving
  • apparently have left
  • apparently miss the train
  • apparently close for good
Synonyms
  • reportedly

    more common in news writing and formal reports

  • supposedly

    often adds more doubt and can hint that the speaker is not convinced

  • allegedly

    mainly used for accusations and legal reporting

Antonyms
  • certainly

    shows confidence instead of uncertainty

  • definitely

    used when the speaker is sure the information is true

Grammar Patterns

apparently, + clause

subject + apparently + verb

be apparently + -ing form

Usage Note

Common when the source of the information is another person, a message, or something you read online. Distinguish from sense 3 FROM SIGNS, where the speaker is judging from visible or other direct evidence.

Common Mistakes

Apparently, the answer is twelve; I checked it twice.
The answer is clearly twelve.
apparently suggests second-hand or uncertain information, not something you know directly.

2. used to correct an earlier idea and bring in the fact that turns out to be true.

2.adverbB2
Definition

used to correct an earlier idea and bring in the fact that turns out to be true.

Example

I thought the cafe was closed, but apparently it opens at noon.

but apparently + clause correcting a belief

Lena looks tiny, but apparently she is already sixteen.

Common collocations
  • but apparently not
  • but apparently it opens at noon
  • but apparently she is sixteen
  • but apparently the meeting is on Thursday
Synonyms
  • actually

    the closest everyday alternative for correcting a mistaken idea

  • in fact

    slightly more formal and often stronger in argument

  • as it turns out

    more conversational and often used when the truth is discovered later

Grammar Patterns

..., but apparently + clause

..., but apparently not

..., but apparently + be + number or time

Usage Note

Very often follows a contrast such as 'but' after you say what you first believed. It commonly corrects ages, dates, times, prices, and yes-or-no facts.

Common Mistakes

Apparently, water boils at 100°C.
In fact, water boils at 100°C.
this sense corrects a mistaken idea; it is not the normal way to state a basic fact.

3. marks a conclusion drawn from what can be seen or heard, without complete certai

3.adverbB2
Definition

marks a conclusion drawn from what can be seen or heard, without complete certainty.

Example

From the empty cage, the bird had apparently flown out at dawn.

had apparently + past participle from visible evidence

The path was apparently safe, so the children kept walking ahead.

apparently + adjective

Common collocations
  • apparently safe
  • apparently too hot
  • apparently random attack
  • had apparently flown out
Synonyms
  • seemingly

    close in meaning, a little more formal and often used in writing

  • evidently

    often suggests somewhat stronger evidence than apparently

  • outwardly

    focuses on how something looks on the surface, especially about people

Antonyms
  • clearly

    shows that the evidence leaves little or no doubt

  • certainly

    shows full confidence rather than inference

Grammar Patterns

apparently + adjective

had apparently + past participle

an apparently + adjective + noun

Usage Note

This sense comes from what can be seen, heard, or otherwise noticed directly, not from a report. It often appears before an adjective or participle, or before a noun phrase such as 'an apparently random attack'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Apparently' is the most flexible everyday word for passing on something you heard or read without fully confirming it. 'Reportedly' is more journalistic and fits news reports or formal summaries. 'Supposedly' often sounds more doubtful and can hint that the speaker is not fully convinced. 'Allegedly' is mainly used for crime or legal accusations that have not been proved. In conversation, 'Apparently, Mia is moving to Tainan' sounds natural and neutral. A newspaper is more likely to write 'The company reportedly cut 200 jobs.' If you say 'He supposedly forgot again,' you may be showing disbelief. Use 'allegedly' only when there is an unproven claim, not for ordinary gossip.

apparently ↗reportedly ↗supposedly ↗allegedly ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • apparently, ...
  • subject + apparently + verb
  • but apparently ...
  • an apparently + adjective + noun

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Built in Middle English from the adjective 'apparent' and the adverb ending '-ly'. The adjective came through Old French from Latin 'apparere', meaning 'to come into sight' or 'show itself'. Because the root is about what comes into view, 'apparently' first had the idea of something being plain to see, and later developed the weaker sense of something only seeming true.