# ostensibly

**Pronunciation:** /ɒsˈtensəbli/ · os-TEN-suh-blee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

Appearing or stated to be true, though not necessarily so; seemingly.

## Examples

- Ostensibly, the meeting was about budget cuts, but everyone knew it was about layoffs.
- She was ostensibly studying for her exams, but she spent most of her time on social media.
- The new policy is ostensibly designed to help small businesses, but critics argue it will hurt them.

## Synonyms

- seemingly — Appearing to be true or real, but not necessarily so.
- apparently — As far as one knows or can see; evidently.
- purportedly — According to what has been claimed or is believed, but not necessarily proven.
- professedly — Stated or asserted to be true, though perhaps not.

## Antonyms

- actually — In fact; in reality.
- truly — In accordance with fact or reality.
- undeniably — In a way that is impossible to deny.

## Common patterns

- ostensibly about — Appearing to be concerned with or related to a particular subject. — The discussion was ostensibly about the new project, but it quickly devolved into personal attacks.
- ostensibly to — Appearing to have the purpose of doing something. — He joined the club ostensibly to improve his French, but he was really looking for new friends.

## Collocations

- ostensibly about — The event was ostensibly about raising money for charity, but it felt more like a networking opportunity.
- ostensibly to — He went to the conference ostensibly to present his research, but he was hoping to meet potential investors.
- ostensibly a — It was ostensibly a business trip, but they spent most of their time sightseeing.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/ostensibly

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