Understanding the Difference Between Supposably and Supposedly

Understanding the Difference: Supposably vs. Supposedly

When it comes to the words “supposably” and “supposedly”, they may seem quite similar, but they actually have different meanings and uses in the English language.

Supposably:

If something is “supposably” true, it means that it could be assumed or imagined but might not be confirmed.

Examples:

1. I suppose it’s supposably going to rain tomorrow, according to the weather forecast.
2. The treasure is supposably hidden somewhere in the old mansion.
3. She is supposably the next in line for the promotion.
4. The mystery of the Loch Ness Monster’s existence is supposably still unsolved.
5. His theory on time travel is supposably based on scientific principles.

Supposedly:

“Supposedly” is used to indicate that something is believed or assumed to be true based on available information or evidence.

Examples:

1. He is supposedly the best player on the team.
2. The meeting was supposedly scheduled for 2 p.m.
3. The book is supposedly a bestseller, but I haven’t read it yet.
4. She was supposedly seen at the mall yesterday.
5. The cat is supposedly hiding under the bed.

Trick to Remember the Difference:

To remember the difference between the two words, think of “supposably” as something that could be assumed but not yet confirmed, while “supposedly” indicates a belief based on available information.

Summary:

Remember that “supposably” implies something that is assumed or imagined without confirmation, while “supposedly” suggests that something is believed to be true based on available information or evidence.