reportedly
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of reportedly
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She had reportedly been hospitalized earlier this month for malnutrition before her condition deteriorated.
From Salon • Jun. 19, 2026
He reportedly disliked the constant and later referred to it as his "biggest blunder."
From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2026
A key component of the deal was reportedly to recruit Shazeer, whose 2017 paper, titled “Attention is All You Need,” foreshadowed the rise of AI chatbots.
From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026
Revolutionary Guard Commander Ahmad Vahidi has reportedly insisted the funds be fully available—language the MOU also uses—to cover military spending.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
Many of those who fled were reportedly undergoing guerilla training in neighbouring black states under the aegis of Umkhonto We Sizwe.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
