Take the tour ×  When I say "Apparently, xyz", does that imply
one of the following, and if so, which one?    1. From
observation, I believe xyz to be true, but I leave open the
possibility that I might be wrong.   2. I believe xyz is not
true, but I am aware that it may seem so, and want to point that
out.  Merriam-Webster gives "open to view", "clear or manifest
to the understanding" and "appearing as actual to the eye or
mind", which to me seems to lean towards the first
interpretation, but when discussing synonyms it also states
apparent, illusory, seeming, ostensible mean not actually being
what appearance indicates.  which sounds more like the second.
Can I use apparently for both situations, or is there a better
word for one of them?  share|improve this question It can be
used sarcastically, in which case the literal statement is in
contravention of fact. Example: "Apparently no one is going to
offer me a drink tonight." [Said petulantly, waiting to be
offered a drink.] Absent that, though, no negati