ostensible — seemingly or apparently true, but not necessarily so; stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily true
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: seemingly or apparently true, but not necessarily so; stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily true
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːˈstensəbəl/
Korean meaning: 표면상의, 겉으로 보이는, 명목상의 (실제로는 다를 수 있는)
Korean pronunciation: 어**스텐**서블
Example Sentences
- His ostensible job was pizza delivery, but he was actually a secret agent.
- The ostensible winner of the lottery turned out to be the lottery owner's cousin.
- The meeting's ostensible goal was team building, but it was really about budget cuts.
ostensible
ADJECTIVE//ɑːˈstensəbəl//
seemingly or apparently true, but not necessarily so; stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily true

A businessman's ostensible charity work conceals his theft of donations

Ostrich thinks it's hidden but remains completely visible to everyone

His ostensible stance seemed defensible, but was it truly sensible?
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ostensibilis', derived from 'ostendere' meaning 'to show or display'. The word combines the prefix 'ob-' (toward) with 'tendere' (to stretch or extend), literally meaning 'to stretch toward showing'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His ostensible job was pizza delivery, but he was actually a secret agent.”
“The ostensible winner of the lottery turned out to be the lottery owner's cousin.”
“The meeting's ostensible goal was team building, but it was really about budget cuts.”
“She made ostensible efforts to study, but spent most of her time on social media.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.