ostensible

The definition of ostensible is something that seems to be true but it may not be true.

(adjective)

An example of ostensible is a reason that is given for a trip that may not be the real reason.

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See ostensible in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. apparent; seeming; professed
  2. Rare clearly evident

Origin: Fr < ML ostensibilis < L ostendere, to show < ob(s)-, against (see ob-) + tendere, to stretch: see thin

Related Forms:

See ostensible in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
Represented or appearing as such; ostensive: His ostensible purpose was charity, but his real goal was popularity.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin ostēnsibilis

Origin: , from Latin ostēnsus

Origin: , past participle of ostendere, to show

Origin: : ob-, ob-

Origin: + tendere, to stretch; see ten- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • os·tenˈsi·bly adverb

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