Supposedly

Definition

Supposedly refers to something that is believed or assumed to be true without concrete evidence.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈpoʊzɪdli/
• Respelling: suh-POHZ-id-lee (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "POHZ" as in "pose," "id" as in "did," and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈpəʊzɪdli/
• Respelling: suh-POHZ-id-lee (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "POHZ" as in "pose," "id" like in "did," and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "supposedly" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "POHZ." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with minor variations possibly in the vowel sounds due to differences in accent.

Etymology

The word "supposedly" comes from the root word "suppose", which has been used since the 14th century, originating from the Old French supposer, which is a modification of the Medieval Latin supponere (to assume), from Latin: sub ('under') + ponere ('to put, place').

Derivatives

• Suppose (verb)
• Supposition (noun)
• Supposed (adjective)
• Supposer (noun)
• Suppositional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Presumably
• Probably
• Allegedly

Antonyms

• Certainly
• Definitely
• Unquestionably

Usage

"Supposedly" is often used to convey uncertainty or a lack of verification regarding a statement or situation. It's a way to denote that something is believed to be true or is said to be true without having full assurance or evidence of its truth.

Related Terms

• Assumedly
• Reputedly
• Seemingly

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Assumed to be true: Referring to a belief or assumption that is held without concrete evidence or verification.
• Example: Supposedly, the event was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, but no official statement has been made.

• Reported but not confirmed: Used to denote situations or facts that have been reported or stated by others but not confirmed through reliable sources or evidence.
• Example: The actor is supposedly making a cameo in the upcoming film, but this hasn't been confirmed by the production house.