ostensibly

C2
US /ɑˈstɛn.sə.bli/ UK /ɒˈstɛn.sɪ.bli/
adv Freq #40860

Meanings

  1. 1
    adv

    Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).

    Near-synonyms: reportedly, reputedly, purportedly, putatively, rumoredly, supposedly, allegedly, possibly, probably, likely, plausibly, presumably; see also Thesaurus:ostensibly

  2. 2
    adv

    from appearances alone

Etymology

From ostensible + -ly.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 adv · seemingly, apparently, on... allegedlyapparentlyarguablyat first blushat first glanceat first sightlikelyon the face of iton the surfaceostensiblyoutwardlyplausibly
2 adv · from appearances alone apparently
Opposites

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