reportedly

American  

[ri-pawr-tid-lee, -pohr-] / rɪˈpɔr tɪd li, -ˈpoʊr- /

adverb

1. according to report or rumor.

   Reportedly, he is a billionaire.

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reportedly British  

/ rɪˈpɔːtɪdlɪ /

adverb

1. according to rumour or report

   he is reportedly living in Australia

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Etymology

Origin of reportedly

First recorded in 1900–05; report + -ed ² + -ly

Explanation

When something is reportedly true, it means people say it's true, but it hasn't necessarily been confirmed. If your favorite band is reportedly coming to town, it may just be an unfounded rumor. The word reportedly implies that information has been shared by others, but it hasn't been officially verified. For example, if someone says they've heard that a new movie is in the works, but there's no official announcement yet, then it is reportedly happening. Using the word reportedly helps indicate that the details are not certain, reminding us to take such news with a grain of caution until all the facts are in.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reportedly

Born in Soviet Chechnya to an ethnic Korean family, Kim founded the company in 2004, reportedly out of her Moscow apartment while on maternity leave with one of her seven children.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

“The BOJ is reportedly open to faster rate hikes amid growing concern over upside inflation risks,” Nomura’s FX Research analysts say in commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The deal also lacks specific provisions for international inspections, something the country reportedly insisted on.

From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026

Asian hornets spread through Europe after arriving in southern France in 2004, having reportedly hitched a ride in a consignment of pottery from Asia.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

On first hearing Miss Leep’s news he merely rolled his eyes, as if two dogs in his yard had reportedly been caught whistling “Dixie.”

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver