VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

apparently

adverb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/əˈpærəntli/
US/əˈpærəntli/

Meanings

  1. adverbnot comparable

    As far as one has been told or can tell, though it may not be true.

    Grammar: Usually at the start or before a verb: apparently, he left.

    Patterns

    • apparently + clause

    Apparently, the bus strike has ended.

    He apparently forgot to lock the door.

    The shop is apparently closing next month.

  2. adverbnot comparable

    In a way that looks true on the surface, even if it may not be.

    Grammar: Goes before an adjective or verb: an apparently simple task.

    Patterns

    • apparently + adjective

    An apparently harmless email contained a virus.

    The apparently calm sea hid strong currents.

Common combinations

apparently unaware
She was apparently unaware of the deadline.
apparently simple
An apparently simple question stumped everyone.
apparently not
'Is he coming?' 'Apparently not.'
apparently without reason
The machine stopped apparently without reason.

Synonyms and how they differ

seemingly
Seemingly stresses outward appearance, while apparently can also report hearsay.
reportedly
Reportedly specifically means according to reports, so it is more formal.
evidently
Evidently implies the evidence is clear, which makes it stronger than apparently.

Opposites

actually

Word family

apparent adjective
clear or seeming
apparentness noun
the quality of being clear
appear verb
to seem or come into view

Commonly confused: apparently or obviously?

apparently vs obviously

Obviously means clearly the case, while apparently only shows how things seem or were reported.

Practice

I didn't see the news myself, but ___ the airport was closed because of fog.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “apparently”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words