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

Details of the deal were not immediately released by the administration, but the pact reportedly does not include strict enforcement measures to block Saudi Arabia from developing a military nuclear programme in the future.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

Major League Soccer has reportedly seen significant increases in ticket sales.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

By the time Ferdie was six months old, he had reportedly written his first spirit communication in pencil: “I love this little boy, God bless his mama.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock