seemingly
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to say that something seems to be true, though it might not be.
used to indicate that a statement is based on appearances, often implying that the reality may differ from the outward impression.
Simple“The task was seemingly impossible, but we finished it in two hours.”
In context“The company reported a seemingly endless series of profits, yet internal audits later revealed significant structural debts.”
UsageUsually placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to qualify the entire statement.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
behaving in a way that is polite or socially correct.
in a manner that is appropriate, decorous, or consistent with social propriety.
Simple“The guests behaved seemingly throughout the long and formal dinner.”
In context“He conducted himself seemingly at the gala, ensuring that no breach of etiquette would tarnish his family's reputation.”
UsageRare in modern speech; almost exclusively found in 19th-century literature or formal historical texts.
SynonymsAntonymsunseemlyinappropriately
“But have you ever stopped to wonder why these three seemingly different habits have such remarkably similar effects on our brains and bodies?”
“For others, though, Argos has not moved with the times and is at odds with the seemingly endless online choice.”
From Middle English semyngly, equivalent to seeming + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.