What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seemingly
Example
She was seemingly happy with her new job. [seemingly: adverb]
Example
The seemingly endless traffic made him late for his appointment. [seemingly: adjective]
outwardly
Example
Outwardly, he appeared calm and collected, but inside he was a bundle of nerves. [outwardly: adverb]
Example
Her outwardly confident demeanor belied her inner insecurities. [outwardly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seemingly is more commonly used than outwardly in everyday language. Seemingly is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while outwardly is less common and tends to be used in more formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seemingly and outwardly?
While seemingly can be used in both formal and informal contexts, outwardly is generally more formal and is often used in academic or technical writing.
