seemingly

/'si:miɳli/

Thân thiện

The problem is seemingly minor.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • From appearances alone; based on what is visible or evident without deeper investigation: Used to indicate that something appears to be true or is perceived in a certain way, but there may be more to the situation that is not immediately obvious or known.

Usage

• Position in a sentence: "Seemingly" typically modifies an adjective, verb, or the entire clause. It is often placed before the adjective or past participle it modifies, or at the beginning of a clause.
• Function: It introduces a statement about how a situation, person, or thing appears on the surface, often implying a contrast with a hidden or different reality.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • The task was seemingly impossible, but she managed to complete it. (Based on initial appearances, the task looked impossible.)
  • He gave a seemingly honest answer to the difficult question. (His answer appeared honest from the way it was presented.)
• Modifying a verb/clause:
  • The company is seemingly thriving, according to its public reports. (Public reports create the appearance that the company is doing well.)
  • Seemingly overnight, the quiet town became a bustling tourist destination. (The change appeared, from an outside perspective, to happen very quickly.)

Advanced Usage

• "Seemingly" vs. "Apparently": While often used interchangeably, "seemingly" can sometimes emphasize a stronger subjective impression or a more deceptive appearance, whereas "apparently" may rely more on available evidence. However, in many contexts, the difference is subtle.
  • The seemingly endless meeting finally concluded. (The meeting gave a very strong impression of having no end.)
• Contrast with reality: "Seemingly" is frequently used to set up a contrast with what is later revealed or known to be true.
  • The seemingly simple plan was, in fact, incredibly complex to execute.

Variants and Related Words

• Seem (verb): To give the impression of being; to appear.
  • She seems tired today.
• Seeming (adjective): Apparent but not necessarily real or genuine.
  • He accepted the offer with seeming enthusiasm.

Synonyms

• Apparently: As far as one can see or understand.
• Ostensibly: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
• On the face of it: From a superficial impression.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• All is not as it seems: A phrase used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.
  • The house looked perfect, but all was not as it seemed.
• Seemingly out of nowhere: Appearing suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • A solution seemingly out of nowhere solved the crisis.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. from appearances alone
   • irrigation often produces bumper crops from apparently desert land
   • the child is seemingly healthy but the doctor is concerned
   • had been ostensibly frank as to his purpose while really concealing it-Thomas Hardy
   • on the face of it the problem seems minor

Từ đồng nghĩa

• apparently
• ostensibly
• on the face of it