reportedly

Everyday

1. Reportedly means «according to what people say or what news reports say», when we are not completely sure it is true. tree →
2. It tells the reader the writer is passing on a claim, not stating a proven fact. tree →

In the lessons

In news, media and citizenship lessons «reportedly» is a key signal word: it shows a claim comes from reports, and a careful reader checks other sources before believing it. In history writing it is used for stories that may be legends: «The king reportedly burnt the cakes.» Similar words: allegedly, apparently, supposedly, it is said that.

Examples

• The singer is reportedly planning a new album. tree →
• The bridge reportedly cost twice as much as planned. tree →
• King Alfred reportedly burnt some cakes while hiding. tree →
• The storm has reportedly knocked out power to thousands of homes. tree →
• Our team is reportedly getting a new coach. tree →
• The spider reportedly escaped from the zoo, but it has not been confirmed. tree →
• The prize was reportedly worth a million dollars. tree →
• When you read «reportedly», ask: who reported it? tree →

Note

Adverb, so it does not change form. Often comes before the verb (He reportedly said...) or at the start (Reportedly, ...). Pronounced «ri-POR-tid-lee». It does not mean something is false; it means it is not yet proven by the writer. Compare with «allegedly», used especially when someone is said to have done something wrong but it has not been proved.