# seemingly

/ˈsimɪŋɫi/ (US) · /sˈiːmɪŋli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seemingly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. appearing to be true

adverb · CEFR B2

used to say that something seems to be true, though it might not be.

For teachers: used to indicate that a statement is based on appearances, often implying that the reality may differ from the outward impression.

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

### 2. in a polite way

adverb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

behaving in a way that is polite or socially correct.

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

- The guests behaved seemingly throughout the long and formal dinner.
- 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.

## Examples

- The task was seemingly easy at first.
- The two companies reached a seemingly friendly agreement, but tension remained between the CEOs.
- The candidate's seemingly effortless performance during the debate masked months of rigorous preparation and strategic coaching by her advisors.

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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.