Reputedly means according to what most people believe, according to what is generally supposed but not necessarily proven as true. The word reputedly is used when discussing information that the speaker believes to be true. The root word, repute, originated in the 1500s to mean to be held in repute, supposed to be. Reputedly is an adverb, related words are repute, reputes, reputed, reputing.
Reportedly means according to written or spoken testimony, gossip or rumor, it does not necessarily mean that something has been proven true. The word reportedly is used when discussing information that the speaker has heard or read from another source. The root word, report, comes from the Old French word report which means to tell or relate. Reportedly is an adverb, related words are report, reports, reported, reporting.
Examples
Reputedly, Boukman was also a Vodou priest and, as such, exercised an undisputed influence and command over his followers, who knew him as ‘Zamba’ Boukman. (The Jamaica Gleaner)
The plant is a hybrid of two South African species, the cross reputedly having been made in France, before arriving here as a garden flower. (The Independent)
Secret deals have been carried out by the government involving millions of euros with foreign parties, not reputedly desirable, but apparently very accommodating. (The Times of Malta)
Two Australian rowing coaches were reportedly robbed while walking to their Rio de Janeiro hotel on Friday night. (The National Post)
A man who believed someone had broken into his apartment and thus reportedly fired multiple rounds, one of which entered an adjacent unit, was arrested Saturday afternoon. (The Tulsa World)
A woodworker who reportedly threatened to burn down a woman’s house if she testified against his friends and caused them to end up in prison, was denied bail. (The Jamaica Observer)