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Ostensible: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคฅ
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ostensible

 

[ ษ™หˆstษ›nsษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.

Synonyms

apparent, outward, seeming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ostensible

This word is used to describe something that appears to be true but might not actually be the true reason or real situation. It often implies a hidden motive.

  • The ostensible reason for his visit was to check on the project, but he seemed more interested in meeting the new manager.
  • Her ostensible friendliness was just a mask for her competitive nature.
apparent

This is used to describe something that is clearly visible or understood but does not necessarily imply any deceit or hidden motives.

  • It became apparent that the meeting was going to be postponed.
  • Her relief was apparent after she received the good news.
seeming

This indicates that something looks a certain way, but there is a possibility that the reality is different.

  • Their seeming generosity was actually a way to gain favor.
  • His seeming confidence hid a deep insecurity.
outward

This word is used to refer to what is externally visible, which may or may not reflect the true nature of something or someone.

  • Despite her outward calm, she was really nervous inside.
  • The outward appearance of the building was quite grand, but the interior was in disrepair.

Examples of usage

  • The ostensible reason for his absence was illness, but we later found out he was actually attending a concert.
  • She made an ostensible effort to help, but it was clear she wasn't really interested.
  • The ostensible leader of the group was actually just a figurehead.
  • The ostensible goal of the project was to promote teamwork, but the real aim was to increase profits.
Context #2 | Adjective

pretense

Used to describe something that is pretended or feigned.

Synonyms

false, pretended, sham.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ostensible

Used when referring to something that appears to be true but might not be. It is often used to describe an official reason or explanation that hides the real one.

  • The ostensible reason for his visit was to see an old friend, but he really wanted to discuss business
pretended

Used when describing an action or feeling that someone shows but doesn't actually feel. It is often used to refer to deceitful behavior.

  • He pretended to be interested in the conversation, but he was actually very bored
false

Used when something is completely untrue or incorrect. This word can be used in various situations from statements and beliefs to information and identities.

  • She was given false information about the deadline
sham

Used to describe something that is a complete fake or fraud. This word often carries a strong negative connotation and implies intentional deceit.

  • The contest was a sham, designed to promote the company rather than find a real winner

Examples of usage

  • His ostensible concern for her well-being was just a facade to hide his true intentions.
  • The ostensible friendship between the two countries was shattered when they declared war.
  • She maintained an ostensible interest in the conversation, but her mind was elsewhere.

Translations

Translations of the word "ostensible" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น aparente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเค•เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช scheinbar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tampak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพั‡ะตะฒะธะดะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pozorny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่กจๅ‘ใใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท apparent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ aparente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรถrรผnรผrdeki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‘œ๋ฉด์ƒ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุธุงู‡ุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zjevnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zjavnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่กจ้ข็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ navidezen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รกberandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉั€ั–ะฝั–ะฟ ั‚าฑั€า“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฉแƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gรถrรผnษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ aparente

Etymology

The word 'ostensible' comes from the Latin word 'ostendere', which means 'to show' or 'to display'. It first appeared in English in the early 18th century. The concept of something being ostensible is related to the idea of appearances versus reality. It is often used to describe situations where things are not as they seem, or where there is a discrepancy between what is stated and what is actually true.

See also: ostensibly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,657, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.