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Supposedly vs Apparently - What's the difference?

supposedly | apparently |

As adverbs the difference between supposedly and apparently

is that supposedly is as a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people while apparently is plainly; clearly; manifestly; evidently.

supposedly

English

Adverb

(-)
  • As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.
    • People from other planets have supposedly visited Earth in flying saucers.
    According to your testimony, you were supposedly at home watching TV when the murder occurred.
  • * 2011 , Tom Fordyce, Rugby World Cup 2011: England 12-19 France [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15210221.stm]
    • France were supposedly a team in pieces, beaten by Tonga just a week ago and with coach Marc Lievremont publicly berating his players, but so clear-cut was their victory that much of the atmosphere had been sucked from the contest long before the end.

    Synonyms

    * purportedly

    See also

    * supposably

    apparently

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • Plainly; clearly; manifestly; evidently.
  • * (rfdate) ,
    • If he should scorn me so apparently .
  • Seemingly; in appearance only.
    • A man may be apparently friendly, yet malicious in heart.
  • According to what the speaker has read or been told.
    • Apparently you are quite a good dancer.
  • * 2006 , Lois Lewandowski, The Fatal Heir: A Gillian Jones Mystery , iUniverse, 978-0-595-39843-0, page 169:
    • ""

    Synonyms

    * (in a way that is manifest) obviously, plainly, clearly, evidently * (in appearance only) ostensibly, seemingly * (according to what one has heard) allegedly

    References

    * * English hedges English modal adverbs