Ostensible in a sentence
Synonym: apparent, superficial. Antonym: real, genuine
Meaning: appearing to be true but not necessarily so
(1) The meaning of life is often an ostensible question.
(2) The ostensible reason for his absence was a sudden illness.
(3) The ostensible purpose of the meeting was to discuss budget cuts.
(4) The ostensible leader of the group was actually just a figurehead.
(5) The ostensible friendliness of the new neighbor quickly turned into nosiness and intrusiveness.
(6) The ostensible calm of the ocean surface masked the powerful currents and dangerous undertows below.
(7) The ostensible ease of the task proved to be deceptive, as it required a great deal of skill and attention to detail.
(8) The ostensible simplicity of the recipe belied the complex flavors that emerged when all the ingredients were combined.
(9) The politician's ostensible concern for the environment was contradicted by his voting record on environmental legislation.
(10) The ostensible leader of the group was actually just a figurehead, with the real power held by a behind-the-scenes strategist.
(11) The ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss budget cuts, but it quickly turned into a heated debate about office politics.
(12) The company's ostensible commitment to diversity was called into question when it was revealed that all of their top executives were white men.
(13) The ostensible purpose of the fundraiser was to support local schools, but many suspected that the organizers were actually using the money for personal gain.
(14) The ostensible reason for the delay in the project was a shortage of materials, but it later emerged that there were deeper issues with the team's communication and organization.
Ostensible meaning
Ostensible is an adjective that is commonly used in the English language to describe something that appears to be true or real, but may not actually be the case. It is derived from the Latin word "ostendere," which means "to show" or "to display." In this article, we will explore various tips and examples on how to effectively use the word "ostensible" in a sentence.
1. Understand the meaning: Before using the word "ostensible" in a sentence, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of its definition. As mentioned earlier, "ostensible" refers to something that is apparent or evident, but may not be the actual truth. This understanding will help you use the word accurately and appropriately.
2. Contextual usage: When using the word "ostensible," it is important to consider the context in which it is being used. This will help convey your intended meaning more effectively.
For example, if you are discussing a situation where someone's actions do not align with their stated intentions, you can say, "His ostensible support for the project was contradicted by his lack of involvement."
3. Synonyms and antonyms: Familiarize yourself with synonyms and antonyms of "ostensible" to expand your vocabulary and enhance your writing. Synonyms for "ostensible" include apparent, seeming, and alleged. On the other hand, antonyms such as genuine, real, and authentic can be used to contrast the concept of ostensibility.
4. Use in formal writing: The word "ostensible" is commonly used in formal writing, such as academic papers, reports, or professional emails. Its usage adds a level of sophistication and precision to your writing. For instance, in a research paper, you could write, "The ostensible correlation between the two variables was later disproven by statistical analysis."
5. Use in everyday conversation: While "ostensible" is more commonly used in formal writing, it can also be incorporated into everyday conversations to express a nuanced meaning. By using this word, you can convey a sense of skepticism or doubt about the apparent truth of a situation.
For example, you could say, "The ostensible reason for his absence was a sudden illness, but I suspect there is more to the story."
6. Read and observe: To improve your understanding and usage of the word "ostensible," it is beneficial to read extensively and observe how other writers and speakers incorporate it into their language. This will help you grasp the various contexts in which the word can be used and provide you with inspiration for your own usage.
7. Practice using the word: The more you practice using the word "ostensible" in sentences, the more comfortable and confident you will become in incorporating it into your writing and speech. Consider creating sentences that reflect different scenarios and contexts to further enhance your understanding and mastery of the word.
In conclusion, the word "ostensible" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary, allowing you to express doubt or skepticism about the apparent truth of a situation. By understanding its meaning, considering the context, and practicing its usage, you can effectively incorporate "ostensible" into your writing and conversations, adding depth and precision to your language skills.
The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage of the word Ostensible. They do not represent the opinions of TranslateEN.com.