Cool MateAllegedly vs Supposedly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Allegedly | Supposedly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | It is said that something is true, but it hasn't been proven. | Something is believed to be true, but it may not be. |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'allegedly' when reporting accusations or claims that are not confirmed. It's common in news articles but less so in casual conversations. | Use 'supposedly' when describing something that is commonly accepted but may not be true. It's neutral and generally suitable in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in informal conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Allegedly vs Supposedly
What's the difference between "Allegedly" and "Supposedly"?
"Allegedly" means: It is said that something is true, but it hasn't been proven. "Supposedly" means: Something is believed to be true, but it may not be.
When should I use "Allegedly" and "Supposedly"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Allegedly" and "Supposedly" the same CEFR level?
"Allegedly" is at C1, "Supposedly" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.