What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Supposed vs Supposably - What's the difference?

supposed | supposably |

As a verb supposed

is past tense of suppose.

As an adjective supposed

is presumed to be true, but without proof.

As an adverb supposably is

able to be supposed or conjectured.

supposed

English

Verb

(head)
  • (suppose)

    • Adjective

    (-)
  • Presumed to be true, but without proof
    • Jesus is the supposed son of God.
  • (with infinitive) Generally considered or expected.
    • ''The movie is supposed to be good.
  • (with infinitive) Having an obligation.
    • You are not supposed to smoke in the restaurant.'' [Note: this means, you are obliged ''not to smoke.]
    The phone is supposed to come with a manual.
  • (with infinitive) Intended.
    • The phone is supposed to save us time.

    Derived terms

    * supposedly * supposed to

    Statistics

    * English heteronyms

    supposably

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • Able to be supposed or conjectured.
  • (nonstandard) Supposedly.

    • Synonyms

    * (able to be supposed) conceivably, imaginably * (supposedly) purportedly

    Quotations

    * (English Citations of "supposably")