German word

vermeintlich

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈmaɪ̯ntlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivesupposed

Example

Die vermeintliche Expertin äußerte keine Meinung.

The supposed expert expressed no opinion.

Illustration for vermeintlich (supposed)

More examples

Die vermeintliche Gefahr erwies sich als unbegründet.

The supposed danger proved to be unfounded.

Core concept

A claimed title hangs over a person while the evidence behind it remains uncertain.

Common phrases

  • vermeintliche Gefahr

    supposed danger

  • vermeintliche Expertin

    supposed expert

  • vermeintliche Lösung

    supposed solution

Similar words

angeblich: Reported as true, though its accuracy has not been confirmed.
sogenannt: Used when introducing a quoted name or title.
mutmaßlich: Assumed from limited evidence rather than established with certainty.
scheinbar: Apparently so from outward appearance, though reality may differ.

Definition in German

als wahr oder echt dargestellt, obwohl dieser Eindruck sich als falsch erweisen kann.

Word origin

The adjective vermeintlich is formed from the older verb vermeinen, meaning to suppose or consider something true, with the suffix -lich.

Usage tips

  • Vermeintlich usually signals the speaker's doubt, whereas angeblich more directly presents information as someone else's claim.

Opposites

Related words

  • vermeinensupposeverb
  • Vermeintlichkeitsupposednessnoun

Word lists with this word