Supposedly Meaning and Definition
Supposedly
Pronunciation
/ˌsəp(ə)zdli/ or /ˈspʌzɪdli/
Part of Speech
Adverb or Adjective
Definition
Examples
- She thought that supposedly she had forgotten the password.
- It was only supposedly a small town.
Synonyms
- Apparently
- Rumor has it
Antonyms
- Apparently
- Undoubtedly
Etymology
From the verb “suppose,” which came from the Old French word “supposer,” and means to guess or believe something without knowing for certain.
Usage Notes
Supposedly is often used to express a degree of doubt or uncertainty about something, but it can also imply that something is true or is likely to happen.
Cultural References
Supposedly has appeared in various forms of media, including TV shows, movies, and literature, often to add humor or irony to a situation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Rumor has it”
- “Apparently”
- ” allegedly”
Related Words or Phrases
Related words include “allegedly,” “reportedly,” and “apparently.”
Collocations
Collocations of supposedly include “is said,” “that is,” “as far as I know.”
Frequency of Use
Supposedly is a relatively common adverb and adjective in modern language, used in a wide range of contexts, including informal conversation, literature, and media.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of supposedly include “supposable,” “suposedly,” and “suposed.”
Additional Information
Supposedly can also imply a sense of irony or sarcasm when used to describe a situation or event that is unlikely or distrustful. It can be used to express a degree of uncertainty or skepticism when describing information or events.
Supposedly is often used in everyday conversation to add nuance or complexity to what is being said, and can be used to express a range of emotions or attitudes, from curiosity to skepticism.
The use of supposedly can also be used to draw attention to the subjective nature of the information being presented, and can help to clarify the speakers’ tone or intentions.
Additionally, supposedly can be used in more formal contexts, such as writing or journalism, to add a sense of objectivity or detachment to a piece of writing.