evidently

Evidently is an English adverb used to indicate that something is true or clear based on what is known or observed. It signals the speaker’s inference or deduction drawn from evidence, appearance, or widely acknowledged facts. In sentences, evidently can modify the whole clause or a verb phrase: “The roads are slick; evidently it rained last night.” It can also modify adjectives: “She is evidently tired.” The word typically conveys a degree of certainty grounded in evidence, and it is often stronger than apparently but can vary with context.

Etymology and history: Evidently derives from the adjective evident, which itself comes from Latin evident-, meaning obvious or plain. The suffix -ly turns the word into an adverb. In English usage, evidently has been in regular use since the late Middle English period and remains common in both formal and informal registers.

Usage notes: Use evidently when you want to express that conclusions follow clearly from the facts rather than asserting direct observation. It can carry a somewhat subjective or rhetorical tone, depending on context. While synonymous with clearly or apparently, evidently often implies a more immediate or compelling sense of evidence in the speaker’s view.

See also: evident, evidence.