adj
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ostensible
Ostensible (adj) means Clearly shown or stated openly, for everyone to see.
adj
1
Clearly shown or stated openly, for everyone to see.
2
Seeming to be true or real, though this may not actually be so.
"The ostensible reason for his visit to New York was to see his mother, but the real reason was to get to the Yankees game the next day."
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Etymology
Borrowed from French ostensible, formed with the suffix -ible, from Latin ostensus, the past participle of ostendō (“show”), itself from obs- (“in front of”) (akin to ob- (“in the way”)) + tendō (“stretch”) (akin to Ancient Greek τείνω (teínō)). Cf. also Medieval Latin ostensibilis.
Related words
Rhymes for ostensible
See all rhymes for ostensible →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of ostensible?
"ostensible" (adj) means clearly shown or stated openly, for everyone to see.
What is another word for ostensible?
Other words for "ostensible" include seeming, ostensive, apparent.
What is the opposite of ostensible?
Opposites of "ostensible" include concealed, actual, real, genuine.
What are the different meanings of ostensible?
"ostensible" has 2 main meanings: 1. Clearly shown or stated openly, for everyone to see; 2. Seeming to be true or real, though this may not actually be so.
