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ostensible

Adjective

IPA /ɒˈstensəbl/

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Meaning in plain English

Stated or appearing to be the reason or purpose of something, although the real explanation may be different.

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Pronunciation

ostensible/ɒˈstensəbl/

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Stated reason: return a book
Possible real reason: have a conversation

The ostensible reason is the one presented openly; the actual motive may differ.

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His ostensible reason for visiting was to return a book.
The meeting's ostensible purpose was training, but it focused mainly on recruitment.

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His ________ reason for visiting was to return a book.

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ostensible — Stated or appearing to be the reason or purpose of something, although the real explanation may be different.

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Stated or appearing to be the reason or purpose of something, although the real explanation may be different.

Compare: His ostensible reason for visiting was to return a book.

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Word origin

Through French and medieval Latin from Latin ostendere, meaning to show or display.

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Ostensible commonly comes before reason, purpose or aim.

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