Alleged Likely

Ostensibly Apparent
Adverbs Adjectives
Seemingly Purported

So-called

Supposed

Adverbial On the face

phrase of it

Alleged:
Definition: Alleged means to be claimed
or stated without providing definite
proof. It is used when something is
asserted but not yet proven to be true
or factual.
Example: The alleged thief was caught
on camera, but the police are still
investigating the evidence.
Definition: Ostensibly means apparently or
Apparent:
Definition: Apparent means clearly
visible or evident, easily seen or
understood. It is used to describe
something that is obvious or apparent
based on available information.
Example: The apparent reason for the
delay was a technical issue with the
equipment.
alleged to be true, but its authenticity or
Likely:
Definition: Likely means probable or
having a high probability of happening.
It indicates that something is expected
to occur or is more probable than not.
Example: Based on his experience and
skills, he is likely to get the promotion.
Seemingly:
On the face of it: Definition: Seemingly means appearing to be
Definition: On the face of it means based a certain way, based on initial impression,
solely on what appears to be true or obvious but it may not necessarily reflect the true
at first glance, without deeper investigation. nature of the situation.
Example: On the face of it, the proposal Example: Despite seemingly insurmountable
seems promising, but we need to analyze its challenges, the team managed to complete
potential impact thoroughly. the project on time.
Ostensibly: So-called:
Definition: So-called is used to introduce a
seemingly, but with the suggestion that there term or phrase that may be popularly used,
might be hidden or undisclosed reasons but the speaker might not fully agree with or
behind the appearance. believe its accuracy.
Example: He called in sick ostensibly because Example: The so-called "miracle" cure for
of a headache, but some believe he's avoiding the disease hasn't been scientifically proven
a difficult meeting. yet.
Purported: Supposed:
Definition: Purported means claimed or Definition: Supposed means generally
believed or expected to be true, but it can
truthfulness is in doubt or is the subject of also imply doubt or uncertainty about its
controversy. actual veracity.
Example: The article discusses a purported Example: The supposed reason for the
UFO sighting, but experts remain skeptical cancellation of the event was bad weather,
about its validity. but some suspect other factors were
involved.
The order of these words from higher probability to the lowest:

Apparent
Likely
On the face of it
Seemingly
So-called
Alleged
Ostensibly
Purported
Supposed

In this ordering, "apparent" and "likely" indicate a higher degree of certainty or probability, while
"supposed" suggests the lowest level of certainty or likelihood. Words like "ostensibly," "purported,"
and "alleged" introduce elements of doubt or the need for further verification. "So-called" implies
skepticism or reservation about the accuracy of a term or concept.