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adv A2 Elementary Very common

apparently

uh-PA-ruhnt-lee

Apparently (adv) means according to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed. Example: “Apparently, the flight was delayed by several hours.”

adv
1
According to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed.
"Apparently, the flight was delayed by several hours."
"She has, apparently, decided to resign."
2
Clearly or obviously, based on what can be seen.
"He was apparently unharmed after the fall."

How to Use Apparently

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hedge word meaning "from what I understand" or "it looks like" — signals the speaker isn't 100% certain.

Memory tip

Native speakers often use "apparently" to introduce gossip or secondhand information.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word Forms

more apparently comparative, most apparently superlative

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Test yourself on “apparently” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, the flight was delayed by several hours.

Etymology

From "apparent" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."

Related Words

Rhymes for apparently

See all rhymes for apparently →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “apparently” mean?

The word “apparently” means according to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed. In plain terms, a hedge word meaning "from what I understand" or "it looks like" — signals the speaker isn't 100% certain.

How do you pronounce “apparently”?

“Apparently” is pronounced uh-PA-ruhnt-lee (/əˈpæɹəntli/ in IPA).

How do you use “apparently” in a sentence?

Here is “apparently” used in a sentence: “Apparently, the flight was delayed by several hours.”

What part of speech is “apparently”?

“Apparently” is an adverb.

Is “apparently” a common word?

“Apparently” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “apparently” have?

“Apparently” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: according to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed.

What is the difference between apparently and evidently?

Both report something that seems true, but evidently suggests clear evidence and greater certainty, while apparently often hints at second-hand information or mild doubt. Saying apparently he left can imply so I am told, though I cannot be sure, whereas evidently leans toward the evidence plainly shows it.

Does apparently mean something is true?

Not necessarily. It signals that a claim is based on what has been heard, read, or seems to be the case, without confirming it. People often use apparently to distance themselves from a statement, implying they are passing on information rather than personally vouching that it is correct.

How do you use apparently in a sentence?

It usually introduces reported or seeming information, as in Apparently, the shop has closed down, or She was apparently unaware of the change. It can sit at the start of a sentence or just before the verb, flagging that what follows is not firsthand certainty but hearsay or impression.

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