Ostensibly
/ˈɑːstən.sə.bli/
adverbC1
Definition
Ostensibly is used when you talk about the way something looks or is said to be, but you are not sure if that is the real or only truth. It means "on the surface" or "according to what people say," but there could be another hidden reason or meaning.
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See It in Action
Appearing or stated to be true, but possibly not real
- •She ostensibly went to the store, but really she stayed home.
- •The event was ostensibly for charity, but it was also a business meeting.
- •He ostensibly agreed with the plan, but he had doubts.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "ostensibly" like "apparently" (a simpler A2 word), but with a stronger idea that the real truth might be different
- ✓Picture a mask on a face: the mask shows one thing, but the real face behind it might be different
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says they are busy with work, but you suspect they want to avoid you for another reason
- ✓Sounds like "AU-sten-sibly" → Imagine someone saying "Oh, STAND by me," but really they want something else behind the words
- ✓Think of a story where a character says one thing but secretly plans another—what they say is ostensibly true, but not fully honest
- ✓NOT like "definitely" (sure and clear)—ostensibly means it looks true but might not be
- ✓NOT like "actually" (real and true)—ostensibly is about appearance or claim, not confirmed truth
Try Other Words
- •Seemingly: looks like or appears to be (Use when you want to say something seems true but you are not sure)
- •On the surface: at first look (Use when you want to say something looks one way but deeper meaning may differ)
- •Putatively: generally thought or assumed (Use in formal or academic contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ostens-" (from Latin "ostendere" meaning "to show") + "-ibly" (adverb suffix meaning "in a way that can be")
- •Etymology: From Latin "ostendere," which means to show or point out something
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 17th century to describe something that is shown or declared but may not be fully true
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing or speech to suggest that what is said or shown may only be the surface truth
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when something was ostensibly true but later you found out the real reason was different?
•How does knowing the word "ostensibly" help you understand news or stories where the true meaning is not clear?
Fill in the blanks
1.She ostensibly left the meeting early because she was sick, but the real reason was ___.
2.The company ostensibly supports environmental causes, yet their actions show ___.
3.Unlike "definitely," ostensibly suggests that what is said might ___ the full truth.
4.The politician ostensibly promised to help, but many people doubted ___.
5.We say "ostensibly for fun," but sometimes the real purpose is ___.
6.When someone acts ostensibly friendly, you might wonder if they ___ something else.
7.The project was ostensibly successful, but hidden problems ___ after the report.