ENGLISH
REFERENCE

seemingly

adv. sent.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈsimɪŋɫi// UK //sˈiːmɪŋli// seem·ing·ly

adv. used to describe something that appears to be true on the outside, even if it might not be true in reality. You use this when you are talking about how things look at first glance.

adv. appearing to be a certain way based on evidence or observation, though the underlying reality may differ. Functions as a sentence or manner adverb to introduce a qualification of appearance versus fact.


SIMPLE

The task was seemingly easy at first.

CONTEXTUAL

The two companies reached a seemingly friendly agreement, but tension remained between the CEOs.

COMPLEX

The candidate's seemingly effortless performance during the debate masked months of rigorous preparation and strategic coaching by her advisors.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English semyngly, equivalent to seeming + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or participle it modifies, or at the beginning of a clause to set the tone.

Pitfall

It was a seemingly task.It was a seemingly easy task.Seemingly is an adverb and must modify an adjective, verb, or whole clause; it cannot modify a noun directly like an adjective.

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