ostensibly

CEFRC1

/ɒˈstɛn.sɪ.bli/

adverb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adverb

    Apparently or according to what is claimed.

  2. 02

    adverb

    Extra detail

    Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

Examples

  • The rise in ticket prices was ostensibly to pay for improvements to the service.

  • Tom was ostensibly at the zoo.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
2
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

More examples

In context
  • Her interest in his welfare was ostensibly charitable and magnanimous, but people began wondering who was going to inherit his assets when he died.

  • His interest in the railway was ostensibly a hobby, but people began wondering why he was taking photos of specific trains and specific equipment.

  • Near-synonyms: reportedly, reputedly, purportedly, putatively, rumoredly, supposedly, allegedly, possibly, probably, likely, plausibly, presumably; see also Thesaurus:ostensibly

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

He blank agreed to the plan, but he privately planned to oppose it.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adverb

From ostensible + -ly.