vermeintlich
supposed · alleged
Etwas wird für wahr oder richtig gehalten, obwohl es das vielleicht nicht ist.
Definition & meaning
The word vermeintlich is an adjective used to describe something that is assumed, supposed, or alleged to be true, but in reality, is likely incorrect or lacks factual basis. It often implies a discrepancy between what is believed by many (or by a specific person) and what the actual facts are.
There are two primary nuances:
- Supposedly/Allegedly: Something that is claimed to be a certain way, though there is doubt regarding its validity.
- Erroneously assumed: Something that a person wrongly believes to be true.
Example: "Der vermeintliche Fehler" (The supposed/alleged mistake). This implies that what was thought to be a mistake might actually be correct or something else entirely.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: It is an adjective that can be declined (e.g., der vermeintliche Grund, eine vermeintliche Tatsache). It is often used as an adverb as well.
Word origin: The word is derived from the verb vermeinen , which is an archaic or literary term for "to believe erroneously" or "to hold a false opinion." It is formed from the prefix ver- (indicating a mistaken action or direction) and meinen (to mean, think, or opine).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- angeblich : Alleged; used when someone claims something is true without proof.
- scheinbar : Seeming; appears to be a certain way but is not.
- mutmaßlich : Presumed; based on probability rather than certainty.
- vermutlich : Probably; assumed based on deduction.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er ist ein vermeintlicher Experte auf seinem Gebiet.adjective
He is a supposed expert in his field.
Die vermeintlich einfache Aufgabe stellte sich als komplex heraus.adverb
The supposedly simple task turned out to be complex.
Der vermeintlich leichte Weg erwies sich als schwierig.adjective
The supposedly easy path turned out to be difficult.
Das vermeintlich echte Gemälde erwies sich als Fälschung.adjective
The alleged genuine painting turned out to be a fake.
Viele glauben, dass die vermeintlich einfache Lösung Probleme verursacht.adjective
Many believe that the supposedly simple solution causes problems.
Mancher vermeintlich kluge Plan führt zu Problemen.adverb
Some supposedly clever plan leads to problems.
Manchmal wirkt ein vermeintlich einfacher Plan sehr kompliziert.adjective
Sometimes a supposedly simple plan seems very complicated.
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