Ostensible
/ɑːˈstensɪbəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Ostensible describes a reason, explanation, or fact that is shown or said to be true, but may hide the real truth. It is often used when something appears one way on the surface but might be different underneath.
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See It in Action
Seeming or stated reason but possibly not the true one
- •The ostensible reason for his absence was illness, but he was actually on vacation.
- •Her ostensible interest in the project hid a desire to impress the boss.
- •The meeting was called for ostensible business, but really to discuss layoffs.
Appearing or seeming to be true on the surface
- •The ostensible purpose of the event was charity, but it turned into a party.
- •He gave an ostensible apology, but it did not sound sincere.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "ostensible" like "apparent" (A2 word), but with a question: it looks true, but maybe it is not the real truth
- ✓Picture a person smiling politely but hiding a secret feeling inside
- ✓It’s the feeling when you hear a simple excuse that might cover a different real reason
- ✓Sounds like "oh-STEN-sible" → imagine someone "standing" (sten) in front to show something, but maybe just pretending
- ✓Think of a magician showing a trick that looks real but is an illusion—ostensible means the "show" or surface reason
- ✓NOT like "real" (which is true and honest), ostensible is what people say or show, not always what is true
- ✓NOT like "hidden" (completely secret), ostensible is visible but might hide something else
Try Other Words
- •Apparent: seeming to be true or real (Use when something looks true without strong doubt)
- •Seeming: appearing to be (Use when you want to say something looks a certain way but might not be)
- •Professed: claimed openly, but possibly not true (Use when someone says something is true, but you doubt it)
- •Surface: on the outside, not deep or real (Use when talking about what is visible, not what is inside)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "ostens-" from Latin "ostendere" meaning "to show"
- •Root: "ostensible" means "able to be shown" or "shown openly"
- •Etymology: From Latin "ostensus," past participle of "ostendere," meaning to show or display
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is shown or declared but may not be the real fact
- •Modern usage: Used to describe reasons, explanations, or appearances that might hide the real truth or purpose
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when something was ostensible but the real reason was different? How did you find out?
•How can understanding the difference between ostensible and real help you in everyday life or work?
Fill in the blanks
1.The ostensible reason for leaving early was ___, but the real cause was personal.
2.She gave an ostensible explanation that sounded good, but I felt ___ behind it.
3.Unlike a real problem, an ostensible problem may only ___ like a problem at first.
4.The politician’s ostensible promise was ___, but many believed it was just for votes.
5.People often use ostensible reasons to ___ their true feelings or intentions.
6.The ostensible cause of the fight was a small mistake, but the ___ reason was deeper.
7.When something is ostensible, it usually comes with a ___ that hides the truth.