English · Adjectives
ostensibly
/ɒsˈten.sə.bli/
[/ɒsˈten.sə.bli/]
apparently
Advancedadverb
Definition
As appears or is stated to be true, though perhaps not really so.
Example
He resigned ostensibly for health reasons, though many suspected a deeper conflict.
He resigned ostensibly for health reasons, though many suspected a deeper conflict.
Etymology
From 'ostensible' plus '-ly', from Latin 'ostendere' (to show).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in journalism and analysis of stated versus real reasons.