apparently
uh-PA-ruhnt-lee
Apparently (adv) means according to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed. Example: “Apparently, the cafe on the corner is closing at the end of the month.”
adv
1
According to what one has heard or read, though not necessarily confirmed.
"Apparently, the cafe on the corner is closing at the end of the month."
"Apparently, the flight was delayed by several hours."
"She has, apparently, decided to resign."
2
Clearly or obviously, based on what can be seen.
"The room was apparently empty, so she switched off the light and left."
"She was apparently delighted with the gift, smiling from ear to ear."
"He was apparently unharmed after the fall."
How to use apparently
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more apparently
- Superlative
- most apparently
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, the cafe on the corner is closing at the end of the month.
Etymology
From "apparent" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Synonyms
View more →
seemingly
evidently
reportedly
supposedly
allegedly
presumably
by all accounts
obviously
plain
plainly
ostensibly
patently
Related words
Rhymes for apparently
gently
recently
fluently
urgently
silently
intently
patently
decently
currently
fervently
patiently
evidently
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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