Admittedly or Admitably
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between Admittedly or Admitably these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Incorrect: Admitably
"Admitably" is a misspelling. The correct spelling has 'edly' instead of 'ably'.
Correct: Admittedly
"Admittedly" is the correct spelling. It means as acknowledged or confessed.
Definition of Admittedly
Admittedly (adverb): As acknowledged or confessed; it must be admitted; by general admission; used to introduce a statement that concedes something is true.
Examples:
- • Admittedly, the task was more difficult than expected.
- • The movie was, admittedly, not his best work.
- • Admittedly, I made a mistake in my calculations.
- • The solution is, admittedly, not perfect but it works.
Synonyms for Admittedly
Common Synonyms:
- • Certainly
- • Indeed
- • Granted
- • Obviously
- • Clearly
Related Terms:
- • Undoubtedly
- • Unquestionably
- • Assuredly
- • Manifestly
- • Evidently
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Admittedly is spelled with 'edly', not 'ably'.
- • It's commonly used to introduce concessions or acknowledgments.
- • Often used in formal writing and speech.
- • The word implies honesty or frankness.
- • The word comes from the verb "admit" plus the suffix "-edly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "admitably" ever correct?
A: No, "admitably" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "admittedly" with 'edly' instead of 'ably'.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "admittedly" as coming from "admit" plus "-edly" - you "admit" something, so it's "admit-edly."
Q: What's the difference between admittedly and obviously?
A: While both introduce statements, "admittedly" implies a concession or acknowledgment of something that might be unfavorable, while "obviously" suggests something is clear or evident.
Q: Can admittedly be used as an adjective?
A: No, "admittedly" is only used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Q: Is admittedly always negative?
A: No, "admittedly" is not always negative. It can be used to acknowledge any fact, whether positive, negative, or neutral.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "admitably" likely occurs because people may confuse it with other words that end in 'ably' or may not be familiar with the correct 'edly' ending.
Q: What are some common phrases using "admittedly"?
A: Common phrases include: admittedly so, admittedly difficult, admittedly complex, admittedly challenging, and admittedly true.
Q: Can "admittedly" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "admittedly" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a standard English word that can be used in academic, business, and professional contexts.
Summary
Remember: Admittedly is the correct spelling with 'edly' at the end. It means as acknowledged or confessed, used to introduce a statement that concedes something is true. The misspelling "admitably" with 'ably' is never correct. Use this word when you want to acknowledge or concede a point honestly.