Seemingly

Definition

Seemingly is an adverb used to express an appearance or semblance, often implying a reality different from the appearance.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
• Respelling: SEEM-ing-lee (with "SEEM" as in "seem," "ing" as in "ring," and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
• Respelling: SEEM-ing-lee (similar to American English, with "SEEM" as in "seem," "ing" as in "ring," and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "seemingly" is pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable, "SEEM." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term seemingly comes from the Middle English word semen, which is related to the Old Norse word sœma (to conform to) and sœmr (fitting). The suffix "-ly" is from Old English -lice, which forms adverbs from adjectives.

Derivatives

• Unseemingly
• Seeminglyness (rare)

Synonyms

• Apparently
• Ostensibly
• Outwardly

Antonyms

• Genuinely
• Truly
• Actually

Usage

The adverb seemingly is used to indicate that something appears to be the case but may not actually be so. It's often employed to express a surface observation or to hint at a discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Related Terms

• Apparent
• Surface-level
• Facade

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• In Appearance: Used to suggest that something appears to be the case based on evidence at hand, though there might be underlying or unexplored factors that contradict the apparent situation.‍
• Example: The project was seemingly well-organized, but upon closer inspection, several critical issues came to light.

• Superficially: Implies that the observable or presented situation may not reflect the true nature or entirety of the matter.‍
• Example: His calm demeanor was seemingly at odds with the chaotic circumstances surrounding him.