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apparently
[ uh-pair-uhnt-lee ]
adverb
- as far as can be known or supposed:
I discussed both options with the litigants, and they are apparently agreeable to either one.
- obviously; clearly:
Apparently, the tornado went right through the center of the town’s eastern district.
apparently
/ əˈpɛər-; əˈpærəntlɪ /
adverb
- sentence modifier it appears that; as far as one knows; seemingly
Word History and Origins
Origin of apparently1
Example Sentences
McVay’s enthusiasm while sharing video of his son apparently rivals his excitement when evaluating and discussing a top draft prospect.
For those bewildered by why so many Americans apparently voted against the values of liberal democracy, Balint Magyar has a useful formulation.
Fisher describes his own his own real-life battles with technology - and rails against his daughter's apparently ludicrous suggestion that he might watch the Six O'Clock News on catch-up.
The documents indicate the British-made camera lenses were shipped by a company registered in Kyrgyzstan, apparently run by a swimwear model.
At that moment, a group of people suddenly appeared, apparently from nowhere, wielding banners and shouting that the BBC were “paedophiles”.
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Related Words
More About Apparently
What does apparently mean?
Apparently means seemingly so based on the appearance of things. It’s a way of saying “it seems that” something is the case or is true.
Apparently is the adverb form of the adjective apparent, which can mean readily seen, clear, obvious, or according to appearances. Apparently is most often used in this last sense—referring to things that appear a certain way but may not actually be so. In this way, apparently is often used as a sentence modifier, meaning that it modifies or changes the meaning of the entire sentence. It does this by qualifying the rest of the statement, as in We owe $500, apparently.
It can also be used as a sentence substitute, meaning it can be used as a one-word response to a question.
Example: Apparently, the store is closed, at least according to what Jim told me—I’ll double check.
Where does apparently come from?
The first records of apparently come from the second half of the 1300s. It comes from the Latin apparens, meaning “appearing.”
Things that we describe as apparently true appear to be true, but we’re not sure if they’re definitely true—that’s why we used the word apparently. A reporter broadcasting live on TV might use the word to qualify a statement based on reports that have not been fully confirmed, as in The suspect has apparently been caught. The word is used in everyday conversation in the same way—to discuss something that was not witnessed firsthand, as in I was out sick today, but apparently the math test was really hard.
Often, the word is used to qualify an entire statement. In this case, it often comes at the very beginning or end of the sentence (though it can also be placed elsewhere), as in I’m going to be promoted, apparently (indicating that you’ve somehow heard that it will happen but that it’s not official yet). Similarly, it can be used as a one-word answer meaning “it seems that way.” For example, if someone asks if you’re getting promoted, you could say, “Apparently.”
Sometimes, the word is used to express doubt or suspicion, as in That’s apparently what happened, but I’m skeptical. It can also be used to express annoyance, as in We were going to start the meeting on time, but apparently you forgot how to read a clock.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to apparently?
- apparent (adjective)
What are some synonyms for apparently?
What are some words that share a root or word element with apparently?
What are some words that often get used in discussing apparently?
How is apparently used in real life?
Apparently is very commonly used and can be found at the beginning, middle, or end or a sentence. Sometimes it expresses doubt or irritation with the situation.
5/ We've linked many of the participants to apparently legitimate FB profiles belonging to Border Patrol agents, including a supervisor based in El Paso, Texas, and an agent in Eagle Pass, Texas. So far, we've been unable to reach the group members who made the postings.
— ProPublica (@propublica) July 1, 2019
There's a rock in Saudi Arabia split by a perfect slit and it's (apparently) totally natural https://t.co/bDLjDb7m1A pic.twitter.com/OHoLM2jaUn
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) April 21, 2020
sadly, they've apparently lost the master tapes of many of the UK Fraggle Rock episodes… (which were different to the US version)
— Simon Heseltine (@SimonHeseltine) April 22, 2020
Try using apparently!
Which of the following terms is NOT a synonym of apparently?
A. according to appearances
B. definitely
C. seemingly
D. evidently
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