C1adverb5K

Reportedly

UK /["/rɪˈpɔːtɪdli/"]/US /["/rɪˈpɔːrtɪdli/"]/

Definition

according to what some people say

In simple words: It is said that something is true, but not confirmed.

Examples

  • The band have reportedly decided to split up.
  • The move, reportedly the President’s idea, has come in for a lot of criticism.

Usage notes

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.

Grammar pattern

reportedly + verb phrase

Memory hint

Think of 'report' as telling news, and 'edly' as like 'probably'. So, it's news that might be true.

Collocations

  • reportedly confirmed
  • reportedly involved
  • reportedly stated

Synonyms

  • allegedly
  • supposedly
  • apparently
  • claimedly
  • rumored

Antonyms

  • unconfirmedly
  • anecdotally
  • allegedly not

Common mistakes

  • 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