supposedly vs. supposably

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Linguistic Reminder

(This reminder is available in English only.)

Problem

Have you caught yourself using the word supposably when you really meant to say supposedly? Perhaps you thought it was a synonym. Yet there is a difference between these two words.

Solution

Both words have an accepted use, but they don't mean the same thing.

definitions of Supposably and Supposedly
Supposedly means Supposably means

according to what is believed, rumoured or reported

conceivably [American usage]

Examples

Examples of sentences using supposably and supposedly
Use supposedly Avoid supposably

In most, if not all, cases, supposedly is the word you want.

Choose supposedly if you are talking about something believed, rumoured or reported:

  • Five centuries ago, the world was supposedly flat.

    (It was believed the world was flat.)

  • He supposedly stayed after school for tutoring.

    (It is rumoured that he stayed.)

  • A sea serpent supposedly lives in Lake Memphremagog.

    (It is reported that a sea serpent lives there.)

In American usage, supposably is recognized as having the meaning "conceivably":

  • What could supposably go wrong?

However, supposably is an uncommon word and is rarely used correctly.

It is best to replace it with conceivably or possibly:

  • What could conceivably (or possibly) go wrong?

Linguistic Recommendation reference number

REM-18/2009-12

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supposedly vs. supposably (REM-18/2009-12) - Comments

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