# publically

/ˈpəbɫɪkɫi/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/publically
Updated: 2026-10-12

## Definition

in a way that everyone can see or hear. You use this when someone does something in the open instead of in private.

For teachers: in a manner that is open to general observation or knowledge; not privately.

## Examples

- The company publically admitted their mistake.
- Although they disagreed in private, the two politicians publically supported the new law to show unity.
- The CEO was forced to publically defend the firm's environmental record after a series of investigative reports questioned their sustainability claims.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He spoke publically about it." but "He spoke publicly about it." — While 'publically' is a real word, 'publicly' is the standard spelling preferred in almost all modern professional and academic writing.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a variant spelling of 'publicly', though 'publicly' is significantly more frequent in modern standard English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.