What does admittedly mean?
"Admittedly" is an adverb used to acknowledge a fact openly, especially one that might count against the speaker's position. It signals concession: the writer or speaker admits something is true — often a limitation, flaw, or inconvenient detail — usually before arguing that it does not undermine their broader point. For example, one might write, "Admittedly, the film is slow to start, but its final act is unforgettable." The word derives from the verb "admit," which traces back through Latin *admittere*, meaning "to allow entry" or "to let in." In modern usage, "admittedly" appears frequently in argumentative essays, reviews, journalism, and debate, where conceding a point honestly can strengthen credibility. It is standard in both British and American English and suits formal and informal registers alike. Its power lies in rhetorical honesty: by volunteering a weakness, the speaker appears fair-minded and persuasive rather than evasive.
adverbUsed to concede that something is true, often before introducing a contrasting or qualifying point; by one's own admission or acknowledgment.
- Used to introduce a concession: acknowledging a fact, often one that weakens one's own argument, typically followed by a contrasting point.
- By general admission or acknowledgment; admittedly true in the sense of being openly recognized.
"The plan was, admittedly, a gamble — but it paid off handsomely."
"Admittedly, the restaurant is expensive, but the food is worth every penny."
"The evidence was admittedly circumstantial, yet the jury found it compelling."
When you say "admittedly," you're essentially raising your hand and confessing to a weakness — before cleverly arguing why it doesn't matter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of admittedly
"Admittedly" derives from the verb "admit," which comes from Latin *admittere*, formed from *ad-* ("toward") plus *mittere* ("to send"), originally meaning to allow entrance or let something in. The adverb form developed in English, likely in the early modern period, following the pattern of other participial adverbs such as "reportedly" and "supposedly." It shares this Latin root with words like "admission," "admissible," and "transmit."
Related word forms
How admittedly is actually used
"Admittedly" is common in both formal writing and everyday speech. It frequently functions as a discourse marker at the start of a sentence or clause, signaling honesty about a drawback before pivoting to a stronger counterpoint. It carries a slightly concessive, sometimes defensive tone.
Easily confused with admittedly
"Admittedly" concedes a fact the speaker acknowledges as true (often reluctantly), while "evidently" asserts a fact that appears obvious from available evidence.