Ostensibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ostensibly
[ษหstensษblฤ ]
Definitions
in appearance
Apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually.
Synonyms
allegedly, apparently, supposedly.
Examples of usage
- Ostensibly, the company is doing well, but in reality, they are struggling.
- She was ostensibly in charge of the project, but others were making all the decisions.
- Ostensibly, the meeting was about budget cuts, but it quickly turned into a discussion about new projects.
based on what seems true or likely
Used to indicate that a statement is probably true, although not certainly so.
Synonyms
likely, presumably, seemingly.
Examples of usage
- Ostensibly, the document was lost in the mail, but I suspect foul play.
- She is ostensibly qualified for the job, but we need to verify her credentials.
- Ostensibly, the price includes all taxes, but there may be additional fees.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use the term to describe characters whose motivations or feelings are hidden behind a facade.
- In many novels, the conflict arises from what is ostensibly true versus what is actually real, creating tension in plots.
- Notable authors like Jane Austen and F. Scott Fitzgerald have explored themes of pretense and appearances in their works.
Psychology
- Perception is a key area in psychology, where what we see may not always reflect reality, aligning closely with the idea of being ostensibly something.
- Cognitive biases can lead us to believe in something that seems true at first glance but is misleading.
- Understanding how humans interpret appearances can shed light on social interactions and relationships.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often play with the notion of appearances, where characters seem one way but reveal deeper truths.
- Reality television blurs the lines of what is presented versus reality, making 'ostensibly' a very relevant topic.
- Music lyrics often explore the tension between how things appear and how they truly are, resonating with the concept of being ostensibly something.
Science
- In scientific research, results may initially appear to support a hypothesis but later reveal complexities upon deeper investigation.
- The placebo effect illustrates how patients can feel improvements based solely on the expectation of treatment, showing the power of perception.
- In ecology, certain species may seem dominant in an ecosystem while hidden factors greatly influence their true impact.
Origin of 'ostensibly'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'ostensibilis', meaning 'that can be shown'.
- It first gained popularity in English in the 19th century, often used in legal and philosophical contexts.
- The prefix 'ost-' relates to showing, which ties into the meaning of appearance.
The word 'ostensibly' comes from the Latin word 'ostendere', meaning 'to show'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century, originally used to mean 'apparently, but not necessarily truly'. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to indicate something that appears to be true or likely. The adverb 'ostensibly' is commonly used in written and formal contexts to convey a sense of doubt or skepticism about the truth of a statement.
See also: ostensible.