ostensibly

/ɒˈstensəbli/ (bre, ipa) · /ɑːˈstensəbli/ (ame, ipa) · /ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-blē ə-/ (ame, mw)

ostensibly — adverb

1. used to show that the reason or purpose given in public may hide a different tru

1.副詞C2
釋義

used to show that the reason or purpose given in public may hide a different truth underneath

例句

The committee met ostensibly to discuss parking fees, but everyone expected layoffs.

ostensibly + to-infinitive for a stated purpose

Ostensibly, the new rules protect patients, but the hospital is mainly cutting costs.

sentence adverb signaling the official explanation

同義詞
  • apparently

    Broader and more neutral; often based on what seems true from the evidence, without implying a hidden motive.

  • supposedly

    Shows doubt about whether a report is true; it does not focus on an official cover story.

  • seemingly

    Focuses on surface appearance in general, not specifically on a stated public reason.

反義詞
  • genuinely

    Describes the real motive, quality, or condition without a false front.

  • openly

    Suggests the real purpose is stated directly rather than hidden behind a public explanation.

文法句型

ostensibly + to-infinitive

be + ostensibly + for/about + noun phrase

Ostensibly, + clause

用法筆記

Usually points to the official reason, purpose, or cover story rather than the real one. It is more formal than 'apparently' or 'supposedly' and often appears with a contrast clause that reveals what is actually happening.

常見錯誤

❌The plan was ostensibly simple and easy to understand.
✅The plan was apparently simple and easy to understand.
💡'ostensibly' is not a general word for how something seems; it usually suggests a public claim or cover reason that may hide a different truth.
❌Ostensibly, the team won the match.
✅Supposedly, the team won the match.
💡'ostensibly' usually introduces a stated purpose or official explanation, not an unverified report of an event.