Ostensible: meaning, definitions and examples

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ostensible

[ əˈstɛnsəb(ə)l ]

^{Context #1}

appearance

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

Synonyms

apparent, outward, seeming

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}

pretense

Used to describe something that is pretended or feigned.

Synonyms

false, pretended, sham

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:

🇵🇹 aparente

🇮🇳 प्रकट

🇩🇪 scheinbar

🇮🇩 tampak

🇺🇦 очевидний

🇵🇱 pozorny

🇯🇵 表向きの

🇫🇷 apparent

🇪🇸 aparente

🇹🇷 görünürdeki

🇰🇷 표면상의

🇸🇦 ظاهري

🇨🇿 zjevný

🇸🇰 zjavný

🇨🇳 表面的

🇸🇮 navidezen

🇮🇸 áberandi

🇰🇿 көрініп тұрған

🇬🇪 მოჩვენებითი

🇦🇿 görünən

🇲🇽 aparente

Word origin

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.