HOW TO PRONOUNCE
ostensibly
/ɑˈstɛn.sə.bli/
Press play to hear how to pronounce ostensibly.
American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
Watch on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTube ↗
What does ostensibly mean?
adverb
- Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ɑˈstɛn.sə.bli/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Other dictionary pronunciations
/ɔˈstɛn.sə.bli//əˈstɛn.sə.bli/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
On arriving off Blackwall the captain went ashore ostensibly in search of the Coal Exchange, taking our young engineer with him.
These take thought, at least ostensibly or permissively, for the temporal welfare of the laity, as well as for their own.
More book examples (3)
As they are not sustained or dignified by a lofty purpose, they ostensibly display the egotism of their character in their actions.
This he shouted very loud, ostensibly for my hearing, but closer even than necessary, I thought, to the ear of the navigating officer.
Many were built in England or elsewhere purposely for the business, without, of course, the knowledge of the builders, ostensibly as yachts or traders.