WordValeostensibly
apparently; as it seems on the surface
In more detail
apparently or seemingly, but possibly not in reality
Examples
- The meeting was ostensibly about budget planning, but everyone knew it was really about the director's resignation.
How to use ostensibly
Ostensibly is used to describe something that appears or is claimed to be true while suggesting doubt about its actual truth. It conveys skepticism more strongly than merely 'apparently' and is often used when the speaker suspects the real reason or situation differs from what is presented. It appears frequently in formal writing, journalism, and analytical contexts where the writer questions official narratives or stated purposes.
Common phrases
- ostensibly to
- ostensibly for
- ostensibly a reason
- ostensibly about
- ostensibly innocent
Synonyms
apparently · seemingly · purportedly · reputedly · on the surface
Opposites
actually · genuinely · truly
Word family
ostensible (adjective) · ostensibly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use ostensibly to simply mean 'apparently' without the implication of doubt or hidden reality; ostensibly should always suggest a contrast between appearance and likelihood of actual fact.
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