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seemingly — appearing to be true or real but not necessarily so; apparently

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: appearing to be true or real but not necessarily so; apparently

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsiːmɪŋli/

Example Sentences

  • My cat seemingly understands every word I say, but still ignores me completely
  • The seemingly quiet library erupted into chaos when someone's phone played 'Baby Shark' at full volume
  • The new policy seemingly benefits everyone, but we need to examine the details carefully

seemingly

ADVERB

[/ˈsiːmɪŋli/]

appearing to be true or real but not necessarily so; apparently

The seemingly calm lake actually hides a strong current beneath.
💡 Concept

The seemingly calm lake actually hides a strong current beneath.

The oasis gleamingly calls, but seemingly dreamingly falls
🎵 Rhyme

The oasis gleamingly calls, but seemingly dreamingly falls

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsiːmɪŋli/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsiːmɪŋli/

🌳Etymology

Rootseem
Suffix--ingly

Origin

From the Middle English word 'semen' meaning 'to seem,' derived from Old Norse 'sœma' meaning 'to beseem or befit.' Combined with the suffix '-ing' to form the present participle, and later '-ly' to create an adverb.

Breakdown

seem (appear) + -ing (present participle) + -ly (adverb suffix) = seemingly

🎵Rhyme

gleamingly
dreamingly
steamingly

🔗Collocations

seemingly impossible
seemingly endless
seemingly normal
seemingly random
seemingly innocent
seemingly contradictory

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat seemingly understands every word I say, but still ignores me completely”

😄 Fun example

“The seemingly quiet library erupted into chaos when someone's phone played 'Baby Shark' at full volume”

“The new policy seemingly benefits everyone, but we need to examine the details carefully”

“He seemingly recovered from his illness overnight, which surprised the doctors”

📚Related Words

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