Definitions
- Used to describe something that is claimed or believed to be true, but there is doubt or skepticism surrounding it. - Referring to an alleged or rumored fact or situation. - Talking about something that is assumed to be true, but there is no concrete evidence to support it.
- Used to describe something that is believed or assumed to be true, but there may be doubts or uncertainties about its accuracy. - Referring to a commonly accepted belief or assumption. - Talking about something that is expected or required to happen, but there may be obstacles or challenges that prevent it from occurring.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are adverbs that describe a situation that is not confirmed or certain.
- 2Both words suggest a level of doubt or skepticism about the truthfulness of the statement.
- 3Both words can be used to indicate that something is believed or assumed to be true, but there is no concrete evidence to support it.
What is the difference?
- 1Connotation: Purportedly has a more negative connotation and suggests that the claim is dubious or questionable. Supposedly has a more neutral connotation and suggests that the claim is widely accepted or assumed.
- 2Usage: Purportedly is often used in legal or journalistic contexts to indicate that a claim is unverified or disputed. Supposedly is more commonly used in everyday language to indicate that something is believed or assumed to be true.
- 3Certainty: Purportedly implies a higher degree of uncertainty than supposedly. Something that is purportedly true is more likely to be false than something that is supposedly true.
- 4Frequency: Supposedly is more commonly used than purportedly in everyday language.
Remember this!
Purportedly and supposedly are both adverbs that describe a situation that is not confirmed or certain. However, purportedly suggests a higher degree of skepticism and doubt than supposedly, and is often used in legal or journalistic contexts. Supposedly has a more neutral connotation and is more commonly used in everyday language to indicate that something is believed or assumed to be true.
