adv
ostensibly
o-STEHN-sih-blee
adv
1
Apparently or supposedly, based on what is claimed — often with the hint that the real reason might be different.
"She left the meeting early, ostensibly to catch a flight."
"The company cut jobs ostensibly to save costs, though many suspected other motives."
How to Use Ostensibly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn the surface, or according to what people say — often used when you suspect the stated reason isn't the whole story.
Memory tip
If you're quietly doubting the official reason for something, "ostensibly" is the word that signals that doubt.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ostensibly to
ostensibly for
ostensibly because
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Fill the Gap
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She left the meeting early, _____ to catch a flight.
Etymology
Built from "ostensible" (from Latin ostentare, "to show off, display") plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."