supposedly
adv. US //səˈpoʊzədɫi// UK //sʌpˈəʊzɪdli// sup·pos·ed·ly
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1 according to claims (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediateused to say that something is believed to be true by some people, even if there is no proof.
according to what is generally assumed or believed, though not necessarily true. Often used to distance the speaker from the validity of the claim.
ExampleThe new restaurant is supposedly the best in town, but I haven't tried it yet.
ExampleThe document was supposedly signed by the CEO himself, yet several board members noticed discrepancies in the handwriting style.
UsageTypically functions as a disjunct, modifying the entire clause to express the speaker's attitude toward the truth of the statement.
PitfallHe is suppose to be the best player.He is supposedly the best player.Do not confuse the adverb 'supposedly' with the phrase 'supposed to'.
From supposed + -ly.
- Verbsuppose
- Adverbsupposedly