What does "seemingly" mean?

1. (appearing to be true) used to say that something seems to be true, though it might not be. 2. (in a polite way) behaving in a way that is polite or socially correct.

How do you use "seemingly"?

Usually placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to qualify the entire statement. Rare in modern speech; almost exclusively found in 19th-century literature or formal historical texts.

seemingly

adv.

US //ˈsimɪŋɫi// UK //sˈiːmɪŋli// seem·ing·ly

1 appearing to be true (adv.)
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.

Example

The task was seemingly impossible, but we finished it in two hours.

Example

The company reported a seemingly endless series of profits, yet internal audits later revealed significant structural debts.

Usage

Usually placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to qualify the entire statement.
- apparently
- ostensibly
- on the surface
- actually
- truly
2 in a polite way (adv.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

behaving in a way that is polite or socially correct.

in a manner that is appropriate, decorous, or consistent with social propriety.

Example

The guests behaved seemingly throughout the long and formal dinner.

Example

He conducted himself seemingly at the gala, ensuring that no breach of etiquette would tarnish his family's reputation.

Usage

Rare in modern speech; almost exclusively found in 19th-century literature or formal historical texts.
- decorously
- properly
- appropriately
- unseemly
- inappropriately

Origin

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