vermeintlich

Vermeintlich is a German adjective and adverb meaning “supposedly,” “allegedly,” or “ostensible.” It is used to indicate that a claim or appearance is not established as fact and is subject to doubt or hedging. As an attributive adjective, it can modify a noun (for example: der vermeintliche Täter – the alleged perpetrator). As an adverb, it can accompany a clause (for example: Er sei vermeintlich krank – he is supposedly sick).

Etymology and formation: Vermeintlich derives from the verb vermeinen, meaning to suppose or think in a certain way, combined with the suffix -lich to form an adjective/adverb. The term belongs to standard contemporary German and is common in both spoken and written language.

Usage and nuance: Vermeintlich emphasizes that something is claimed or appears so, but is not proven or may be disputed. It conveys a cautious or skeptical stance, more hedged than schlicht “angeblich.” In journalism, science, or discourse, it signals that the following assertion rests on interpretation or unconfirmed information. It is commonly used to express doubt about a described state, person, or event.

Synonyms and contrasts: Common alternatives include angeblich (reported, claimed), scheinbar (apparent, seeming), and mutmaßlich (suspected). Nuances differ: angeblich reports a claim; scheinbar stresses appearance; mutmaßlich stresses suspicion. Antonyms include tatsächlich or wirklich when the speaker wants to assert that something is real or proven.

Examples: Die vermeintliche Lösung entpuppte sich als unzureichend. Der vermeintliche Zeuge tauchte später unter. In der Berichterstattung kann vermehrt von vermeintlich gehäuften Fehlern die Rede sein, wenn die Belege fragwürdig bleiben.