B2adverb1K

Apparently

UK /["/əˈpærəntli/"]/US /["/əˈpærəntli/"]/

Definition

according to what you have heard or read; according to the way something appears

In simple words: It seems that something is true based on what I've heard.

Examples

  • Apparently they are getting divorced soon.
  • I thought she had retired, but apparently she hasn't.
  • He paused, apparently lost in thought.
  • The government was apparently unaware of the magnitude of the crisis.
  • The security forces were apparently taken by surprise.

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.

Grammar pattern

apparently + clause

Memory hint

Think of 'a pair of lentil beans' — it's not definite, just what it seems like.

Collocations

  • apparently true
  • apparently unaware
  • apparently easy

Synonyms

  • seemingly
  • ostensibly
  • reportedly
  • supposedly
  • presumably

Antonyms

  • unquestionably
  • certainly

Common mistakes

  • Using it too formally in casual conversations.
  • Confusing it with 'obviously', which implies certainty.
  • Not using it to introduce a statement clearly.