supposedly

Everyday

1. According to what people say or believe, though it may not be true: «The house is supposedly haunted». tree →
2. As something is meant or intended to be: «a supposedly easy test». tree →

In the lessons

Used to show doubt about a claim: in stories, news and science («supposedly cures colds»). Helps readers notice that a fact is not checked. In media lessons: words like «supposedly», «allegedly» and «it is said» signal unproved claims. Phrases: «supposedly true», «supposedly easy».

Examples

• The old house is supposedly haunted. tree →
• This cream supposedly makes spots disappear overnight. tree →
• The test was supposedly easy, but most of us found it hard. tree →
• Supposedly, carrots help you see in the dark, but that's mostly a myth. tree →
• He was supposedly ill, but we saw him at the park. tree →
• Our teacher is supposedly from Scotland. tree →

Note

Spelling: suppos-ed-ly (four syllables: sup-POZE-id-lee). Common error: «supposably» is a mistake in most uses. Similar: «allegedly», «apparently», «reportedly». It signals doubt, so a reader should ask «how do we know?».