Seemingly: meaning, definitions and examples
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seemingly
[ ˈsiːmɪŋli ]
in appearance
appearing to be true or real, but possibly not
Synonyms
allegedly, apparently, ostensibly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seemingly |
Use seemingly when something appears to be true based on outward appearances or information, but it might not be the reality.
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| apparently |
Use apparently to indicate something that seems to be true based on available information or what you have heard, often implying some uncertainty.
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| ostensibly |
Use ostensibly when something appears to be true or is claimed to be true, but there is a hint or suggestion that the reality might be different. This word often carries a slightly skeptical tone.
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| allegedly |
Use allegedly when referring to something that people say has happened or is true, often in news or legal contexts, without there being definite proof.
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Examples of usage
- It was a seemingly impossible task, but he managed to complete it.
- The solution was seemingly simple, but it turned out to be quite complex.
- She was seemingly happy, but deep down, she was struggling.
based on appearances
having the appearance of being true or real
Synonyms
apparent, evident, ostensible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seemingly |
Suitable when something appears to be a certain way on the surface, but there may be more to the story. Often used when there is some doubt.
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| apparent |
Used when something is clear or easy to see. This word implies that there should be no doubt regarding the observation.
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| evident |
Used when something is obvious and can be clearly noticed or understood. Stronger than 'apparent' in its clarity.
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| ostensible |
This word has a negative connotation and is used when something seems to be true, but it is actually a cover or disguise for the real intention or situation.
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Examples of usage
- The seemingly endless road stretched out before them.
- The seemingly random events were all connected in the end.
- His seemingly casual attitude masked a deep concern.
Translations
Translations of the word "seemingly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aparentemente
🇮🇳 प्रतीत होता है
🇩🇪 scheinbar
🇮🇩 tampaknya
🇺🇦 здавалося б
🇵🇱 pozornie
🇯🇵 見たところ
🇫🇷 apparemment
🇪🇸 aparentemente
🇹🇷 görünüşe göre
🇰🇷 겉보기에는
🇸🇦 على ما يبدو
🇨🇿 zdánlivě
🇸🇰 zdanlivo
🇨🇳 看起来
🇸🇮 navidezno
🇮🇸 að því er virðist
🇰🇿 сырттай қарағанда
🇬🇪 როგორც ჩანს
🇦🇿 görünür ki
🇲🇽 aparentemente
Etymology
The word 'seemingly' is derived from the verb 'seem', which comes from the Old Norse word 'sœma' meaning 'to seem, be fitting'. The adverb form 'seemingly' first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. It has been used to indicate appearances that may or may not be true, adding a layer of uncertainty to the description of events or situations.