Reportedly

Definition

Reportedly is an adverb indicating that the information has been told or stated by someone, although not confirmed as a fact.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɔrtɪdli/
• Respelling: ri-PORT-id-lee (with "ri" as in "rid," "PORT" as in "port," "id" as in "did," and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɔːtɪdli/
• Respelling: ri-PORT-id-lee (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "PORT" as in "port," "id" as in "did," and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "reportedly" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "PORT." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with a focus on the "PORT" syllable.

Etymology

Derived from the word "report", which originates from the Middle French "reporter" and the Latin "reportare", meaning "to bring back". "Reportedly" incorporates the suffix "-ly" which transforms adjectives into adverbs, thus changing the term to mean "in the manner of what is reported."

Derivatives

• Report
• Reporter
• Reporting
• Reportage
• Reportable

Synonyms

• Allegedly
• Supposedly
• Purportedly

Antonyms

• Definitely
• Factually
• Indisputably

Usage

"Reportedly" is utilized when one wishes to convey information that has been reported by others but hasn't been confirmed. It introduces an element of uncertainty and is often used in journalism or news reporting to describe events or facts that the speaker/writer has not personally verified.

Related Terms

• Rumor
• Hearsay
• Speculation
• Unconfirmed
• Claim

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• According to what some say (used to express the speaker's belief that the information is not necessarily true).
• Example: The celebrity couple is reportedly getting a divorce.

• Based on accounts or reports; it's not confirmed.
• Example: The new product will reportedly be launched next month.