Word: ostensive (adjective)

Associations

"Ostensive" means showing or demonstrating something clearly and directly. It is often used when something is explained by giving clear examples or pointing to it directly.

• In language learning, an ostensive definition is when a teacher points to an object and says its name, showing what the word means.
• In law, an ostensive act might be showing evidence clearly to prove a point.
• In everyday life, if someone gives an ostensive explanation, they make the meaning clear by showing or demonstrating it instead of just describing it.

A synonym is "explicit," but "ostensive" usually involves showing or pointing to something, while "explicit" means very clear and detailed in words.

Substitution

You can sometimes replace "ostensive" with:

• demonstrative — focusing on showing or pointing out.
• explicit — very clear, but more about words than actions.
• direct — straightforward and clear.

But "ostensive" is special because it often means showing something by example or action.

Deconstruction

The word "ostensive" comes from Latin "ostendere," which means "to show" or "to point out."

• "Ost-" is the root related to "showing."
• "-ensive" is a suffix forming adjectives.

So "ostensive" literally means "showing" or "pointing out."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone explained something by showing it instead of just talking about it?
• How might an ostensive explanation help someone learn better?
• Can you find examples in your daily life where ostensive communication is used?