English dictionary

ostensible Meaning & Definition

Q: What are the comparative and superlative forms of ostensible?

The comparative form is more ostensible and the superlative form is most ostensible.

/ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl/

What Does Ostensible Mean?

Ostensible is used as an adjective meaning Apparent, evident; meant for open display. It is also used to mean Appearing as such; being such in appearance; professed, supposed (rather than demonstrably true or real).

Word Facts for Ostensible

Part of speech	adjective
Pronunciation	//ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl//
Syllables	1
Synonyms	superficial, apparent and counterfeit
Antonyms	ulterior
Comparative / superlative	more ostensible, most ostensible

Ostensible Definition (Adjective)

Apparent, evident; meant for open display.
Appearing as such; being such in appearance; professed, supposed (rather than demonstrably true or real).
The ostensible reason for his visit to New York was to see his mother, but the real reason was to get to the Yankees game the next day.

Synonyms of Ostensible

superficial apparent counterfeit imitative seeming ostensive

Ostensible synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Ostensible

ulterior

Ostensible in a Sentence

The ostensible reason for his visit to New York was to see his mother, but the real reason was to get to the Yankees game the next day.

Word Forms & Grammar

ostensible (comparative more ostensible, superlative most ostensible)

Words That Rhyme With Ostensible

sensible indispensable incomprehensible insensible comprehensible reprehensible indispensible dispensable indefensible defensible tensible compensable fencible

Origin of Ostensible

Borrowed from French ostensible, formed with the suffix -ible, from Latin ostensus, the past participle of ostendō (“show”), itself from obs- (“in front of”) (akin to ob- (“in the way”)) + tendō (“stretch”) (akin to Ancient Greek τείνω (teínō)). Cf. ostentatious.

How to Pronounce Ostensible

Ostensible is pronounced //ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl// and has 1 syllable.

Quick Answers About Ostensible

What part of speech is ostensible?

Ostensible is an adjective.

What is another word for ostensible?

Words with a similar meaning to ostensible include superficial, apparent and counterfeit. See the full list of ostensible synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of ostensible?

The opposite of ostensible is ulterior.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of ostensible?

The comparative form is more ostensible and the superlative form is most ostensible.