ostensibly

adverb
UK: /ɒˈstensɪbli/
US: /ɑːˈstensɪbli/

  1. Appearing or claiming to be one thing when it is really something else.

    1. He was ostensibly looking for a job.
    2. Ostensibly, the goal is to reduce crime, but really it is about control.

  2. Apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually.

    1. She ostensibly went to the library.
    2. Ostensibly, he is committed to environmental protection, but his actions say otherwise.

Synonyms

seemingly professedly ostensive purportedly apparently

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "ostensibly" in English means: Appearing or claiming to be one thing when it is really something else., Apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually..

The phonetic transcription of "ostensibly" is /ɒˈstensɪbli/ in British English and /ɑːˈstensɪbli/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "ostensibly": seemingly, professedly, ostensive, purportedly, apparently.

Example usage of "ostensibly": "He was ostensibly looking for a job.". More examples on the page.