Word
evidently
Phoneticsev·i·dent·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛvədəntɫi/
UK/ˈɛvɪdəntli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01clearly or obviously
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to say that something is easy to see or understand from the facts.
adv. in a manner that makes a fact or conclusion obvious; used to indicate that something can be clearly inferred from available evidence.
“He was evidently upset by the news, as he stopped talking and left the room.”
“The witness was evidently shaken by the cross-examination, as her voice began to tremble and she struggled to maintain her composure.”
Usage
Often functions as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire clause to show the speaker's certainty based on observation.
Antonyms
02apparently
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to describe something that seems to be true, even if you are not 100% sure.
adv. used to indicate that something appears to be the case based on reports or outward appearance; occasionally proscribed when used as a synonym for 'seemingly'.
“Evidently, the party was a success, because there are empty plates everywhere.”
“Evidently, the negotiations have stalled, though neither side has issued a formal statement to the press regarding the delay.”
Teaching tip
While often used interchangeably with 'apparently', 'evidently' implies stronger physical evidence, whereas 'apparently' can rely on hearsay.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Evidently, it is Walsingham’s voice, not Elizabeth’s, that speaks in this letter—and possibly his emotion that spills out of it.” “There was evidently no love lost with his sister Mary, who called him “one of the most self-centred people I’ve ever met”.” Etymology
From Middle English evidently, evydently; equivalent to evident + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/evidently