DictionaryAI

apparently

adverb
Sayuh-PAIR-uhnt-lee/əˈpæɹ.ənt.li/UK/əˈpæɹ.ənt.liː/

3 meanings of apparently

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    It seems true from what you can see or work out, but you are not completely sure.

    The road was apparently empty, but then a deer jumped out from the trees.

    An apparently easy test can still have one or two very hard questions.

    UsageOften before a describing word: an apparently easy test. It does not mean obviously.

    Note
  2. 2
    adverb
    Based on what you have heard or read, not what you saw yourself.

    Like starting a sentence with 'I heard that...': it shows the news came from someone else.

    Apparently the school trip is canceled. That's what the other kids were saying.

    She got a new job, apparently. I read about it online this morning.

    UsageOften at the start or end: Apparently, the trip is canceled.

    Similarreportedly, allegedly

  3. 3
    adverbrare
    In a clear way that anyone can easily see.
    If he should scorn me so apparently.
    1591, William Shakespeare, The Comedy of ErrorsHere, apparently means plainly and openly, in a way anyone could see.
    One, my lord, that doth so palpably, so apparently make her adulteries a trophy, whiles the poting-stick to her unsatiate goatish abomination jeers at, and flouts your sleepish, and more than sleepish, security.
    1633, John Ford, Loues Sacrifice. A Tragedie

    Similarobviously, clearly, plainly, evidently, visibly

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of apparently apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From the word "apparent" plus the ending "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact