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

When Reagan was shot just outside the venue in 1981, his limousine was reportedly parked at least several steps away, leaving him vulnerable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

On Sunday, Pakistani mediators reportedly said they were still working to get the two sides back to the negotiating table.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 26, 2026

The error reportedly cost $15 million to correct, forcing the script to be rewritten to omit early discussions of Jackson’s legal battles.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Snead reportedly told Jason Simpson his son was first-round caliber.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 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