Definition

Adverb: * According to what has been said, stated, or reported by others, but not necessarily confirmed as a firsthand fact. It is used to attribute information to a source, often indicating that the speaker is not the original source of the information.

Usage

• Position in a Sentence: "Reportedly" is typically placed before the main verb or after the first auxiliary verb in a sentence. It can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
• Function: It is used to introduce information that is based on reports, rumors, or secondhand accounts, adding a layer of attribution and often a degree of uncertainty or distance from the fact.

Examples

• The CEO reportedly resigned after the scandal. (The information about the resignation comes from reports.)
• The new policy has reportedly caused confusion among staff. (It is said/reported that the policy has caused confusion.)
• Reportedly, the actor will star in the upcoming film. (According to reports, the actor will star in it.)
• She is reportedly considering a run for office. (It is reported that she is considering this.)

Advanced Usage

• Journalistic and Formal Contexts: "Reportedly" is frequently used in news media to attribute claims to sources without making a direct, unverified assertion. It protects the writer by shifting the source of the information.
  • The minister was reportedly involved in the negotiations.
• Expressing Hearsay or Unconfirmed Information: It can be used to convey gossip or information that is not officially verified.
  • He reportedly left the country last night, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.

Variants and Related Words

• Report (verb/noun): To give a spoken or written account of something; an account given.
• Reported (adjective): Said or described by people, but not proven.
  • a reported case of fraud
• Reputedly (adverb): According to what people generally say or believe. This is similar to "reportedly" but often carries a stronger connotation of reputation or general belief over a specific report.
  • He is reputedly the richest man in the city.

Synonyms

• Allegedly: Used to convey that something is claimed to be the case, often with a stronger implication of an unproven accusation.
• Supposedly: According to what is generally assumed or believed, though it may not be true.
• Purportedly: As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so.
• According to reports: A phrase with the same meaning.

Related Phrases

• It is reported that...: A common phrase used to introduce reported information.
  • It is reported that the company will merge with its competitor.
• According to sources: A journalistic phrase similar in function to "reportedly."
  • According to sources, the deal is nearly complete.

Adverb

1. according to reports or other information
   • she was reportedly his mistress for many years