English Reference
Adverb

reportedly

adv. sent.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ɹiˈpɔɹtədɫi/ UK /ɹɪpˈɔːtɪdli/ re·port·ed·ly

adv.according to what people say, though it might not be proven yet. You use this when you are sharing news or information that you haven't seen yourself.

adv.according to reports or rumors; used to indicate that a statement is based on hearsay rather than direct evidence. Often used in journalistic contexts to maintain objectivity or avoid liability.


SIMPLE

The famous actor is reportedly looking for a new house here.

CONTEXTUAL

The two companies are reportedly in talks to merge, though neither side has confirmed the deal yet.

COMPLEX

The CEO reportedly offered her resignation during the emergency board meeting, although official minutes from the session have yet to be released to the public.

Usage

Sentence adverb — typically placed at the beginning of a clause or between the subject and the main verb.

Iran has reportedly already lost at least $6bn in oil revenues since the blockade, which Tehran called “ an act of piracy “, began on April 13.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

They reportedly entered the library by its main entrance mid-morning and headed towards the nearest metro station following the heist.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Common in sport writing


From reported + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated