apparently
apparently
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
/əˈpærəntli/ (General American, Received Pronunciation)
a - /ə/ (schwa, unstressed, as in "about")
ppa - /ˈpær/ (as in "parrot" - primary stress)
rent - /ənt/ (schwa + 'n' + 't', unstressed)
ly - /li/ (as in "lee")
Word Form Variations
Apparently" primarily functions as an adverb. It doesn't have singular/plural forms, tense inflections, or other variations common to nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
Adverb: apparently
Related forms (but not direct variations of "apparently" itself):
Adjective: apparent
Noun: appearance
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
As far as one knows or can see; seemingly; outwardly. (Used to describe something that appears to be true, often in contrast to what is actually true)
Example: "He's apparently happy, but I know he's going through a tough time."
Synonyms: seemingly, outwardly, ostensibly, on the surface, on the face of it
Antonyms: genuinely, truly, actually, really, authentically
Used to indicate that the information is known or stated, though one may not be entirely sure of it or it may be from another source. (Reporting information)
Example: "The train was late, apparently, due to a signal problem."
Synonyms: reportedly, supposedly, allegedly, as I hear, from what I gather
Antonyms: certainly, definitely, surely, without a doubt
Obviously; clearly; it is apparent that. (Less common in spoken English than other uses, more direct)
Example: "Apparently, you didn't read the instructions."
Synonyms: obviously, clearly, evidently, plainly, manifestly
Antonyms: obscurely, unclearly, vaguely, ambiguously
Examples of Use
Books:
"He apparently believed that a single act of kindness could change the world, no matter how small." (Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, 1988)
Newspapers:
"The government has, apparently, delayed the release of crucial economic data, sparking concerns among analysts." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications:
"New software updates will, apparently, address the long-standing bug that has been causing system crashes for many users." (TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"So, apparently, you can just walk into Mordor." (A common internet meme and humorous observation about The Lord of the Rings films, based on a line from The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)
"The celebrity couple has apparently broken up, according to sources close to them." (Entertainment news report on YouTube)
"He's apparently a genius, but he can't even tie his shoes." (Dialogue from a TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, televised 2007-2019)
General Public Discourse:
"Apparently, it's going to rain tomorrow, so don't forget your umbrella."
"She's apparently decided to move to another city for her new job."
"The train was delayed, apparently, due to a power outage."
"You're apparently not listening to what I'm saying."
10 Quotes Using Apparently
"So, apparently, you can just walk into Mordor." (Internet meme, referencing The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001)
"He's apparently a genius, but he can't even tie his shoes." (Common dialogue trope in TV sitcoms, e.g., The Big Bang Theory)
"You're apparently not listening to what I'm saying." (Common conversational phrase expressing exasperation)
"The truth, apparently, is stranger than fiction." (A widely used twist on the famous phrase by Lord Byron)
"Well, apparently, the world didn't end after all." (A common humorous or ironic observation after a failed prediction)
"Apparently, success is built on failure and perseverance." (A common inspirational sentiment, often heard in self-help contexts)
"It seems, apparently, that honesty is not always the best policy in politics." (A common cynical political observation)
"She was, apparently, born with a silver spoon in her mouth." (A common descriptive idiom indicating privilege)
"The show must go on, apparently, no matter what." (A common phrase in entertainment, implying inevitability)
"I was wrong, apparently." (A simple, yet commonly heard admission of error in various public and private contexts)
Etymology
The word "apparently" means something seems to be true or is reported to be true. Its history comes from an old idea of something "appearing" clearly.
It comes from the Old French word "aparens" or "aparent," which meant "visible," "evident," or "manifest."
This Old French word originated from the Latin verb "apparere," meaning "to appear," "to become visible," or "to show itself." The "ad-" (to) prefix combined with "parere" (to appear) gave it this sense of becoming clear or obvious.
The word "apparent" (from which "apparently" is derived) entered the English language from Old French in the late 14th century (around the 1300s).
The first known use of "apparently" as an adverb in English occurred in the mid-15th century. Its original meaning was consistent with "clearly" or "obviously." Over time, particularly by the 17th century, it also developed the more nuanced sense of "seemingly" or "according to appearance," often implying a slight doubt or that the information is secondhand.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Apparently
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "apparently":
Apparently so (used to confirm something that seems evident)
Apparently not (used to deny something that seemed evident)
Apparently, you didn't hear me (a common retort indicating someone wasn't paying attention)
Apparently, the cat's out of the bag (indicating a secret has been revealed, using an idiom for similar effect)
Apparently, ignorance is bliss (a common cynical observation)
Evidently true (using a synonym for similar effect)
Seemingly endless (using a synonym, often for a long duration)
Outwardly calm (using a synonym for similar effect)
Reportedly so (using a synonym for similar effect, indicating information from another source)
Apparently, life finds a way (a common observation, often humorous, about resilience)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of apparently from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
