Cool MateApparently vs Reportedly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apparently
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adverb
Reportedly
Top 5,000 (fairly common)C1adverb
Most common: Apparently
| Apparently | Reportedly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈpærəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpærəntli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈpɔːtɪdli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈpɔːrtɪdli/"]/ |
| Meaning | It seems that something is true based on what I've heard. | It is said that something is true, but not confirmed. |
| Example | Apparently they are getting divorced soon. | The band have reportedly decided to split up. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | apparently true, apparently unaware, apparently easy | reportedly confirmed, reportedly involved, reportedly stated |
| Antonyms | unquestionably, certainly | unconfirmedly, anecdotally, allegedly not |
| Common mistakes | Using it too formally in casual conversations., Confusing it with 'obviously', which implies certainty., Not using it to introduce a statement clearly. | Confused with 'reported' vs 'reportedly', Using it in informal settings where a simpler word would be better, Incorrectly placing it before the subject instead of the verb |
| Usage notes | Used when stating something as though it is true, often based on hearsay or indirect information. Generally appropriate in both spoken and written English, but can sound less confident than stating a fact directly. | Use 'reportedly' to indicate that information comes from another source and may not be verified. It's more appropriate in formal contexts, like news articles, rather than casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Apparently vs Reportedly
What's the difference between Apparently and Reportedly?
Apparently: It seems that something is true based on what I've heard. Reportedly: It is said that something is true, but not confirmed.
Which is more common: Apparently and Reportedly?
Apparently is the most common in everyday English.
Are Apparently and Reportedly the same CEFR level?
Apparently: B2, Reportedly: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Apparently and Reportedly interchangeably?
Not always. Apparently and Reportedly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.