Cool MateSupposedly
UK /["/səˈpəʊzɪdli/"]/US /["/səˈpəʊzɪdli/"]/
Definition
according to what is generally thought or believed but not known for certain
In simple words: Something is believed to be true, but it may not be.
Examples
- The novel is supposedly based on a true story.
- a poem supposedly written by Shakespeare
- Police have found the supposedly stolen car.
Usage notes
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.
Grammar pattern
supposedly + clause
Memory hint
Think of 'suppose' — if you suppose something, it might not be the real thing.
Collocations
- supposedly true
- supposedly said
- supposedly happening
- supposedly planned
- supposedly proven
Synonyms
- allegedly
- presumably
- reportedly
- ostensibly
- putatively
Antonyms
- actually
- definitely
- certainly
Common mistakes
- 'Supposedly' vs 'supposably' confusion.
- Using 'supposedly' in overly formal contexts.
- Misplacing 'supposedly' within a sentence.