OSTENSIBLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ostensibly mean? 

• OSTENSIBLY (adverb)
  The adverb OSTENSIBLY has 1 sense:

1. from appearances alone

  Familiarity information: OSTENSIBLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OSTENSIBLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

From appearances alone

Synonyms:

apparently; on the face of it; ostensibly; seemingly

Context example:

on the face of it the problem seems minor

Pertainym:

ostensible (represented or appearing as such; pretended)

 Context examples 

He had been listening at the galley door, but he now came out, ostensibly to fling some scraps over the side, but obviously to see the killing he was certain would take place.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Then with a red head of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a beggar.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)