Ostensibly Definition & Meaning

ostensibly
adverb
  1. from appearances alone; "irrigation often produces bumper crops from apparently desert land"; "the child is seemingly healthy but the doctor is concerned"; "had been ostensibly frank as to his purpose while really concealing it"-Thomas Hardy; "on the face of it the problem seems minor"

"Ostensibly" in song lyrics

See how ostensibly is used in real songs:

  • "sentence with ostensibly"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "ostensibly"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "ostensibly" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for ostensibly to find words that pair well.

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