Used to introduce a conclusion based on available evidence; apparently or seemingly based on the facts at hand.
Formed from 'evident' plus '-ly,' with 'evident' coming from Latin 'evidens,' meaning 'clear to see.' The Latin word combines 'e-' (out) and 'videre' (to see), literally meaning 'seen clearly.' The word entered English in the 14th century and has maintained its connection to visual perception as a metaphor for understanding.
Evidently is beautifully honest about the limitations of human knowledge—it acknowledges that we're making inferences based on available information rather than claiming absolute certainty. It's the word of careful thinkers who understand that most of what we 'know' is actually sophisticated guesswork based on observable patterns.
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