ostensibly
Appearing or claiming to be true, but possibly not actually true
Examples
In a meeting
“The meeting is ostensibly about planning, but it's really about budget cuts.”
Over coffee
“He's ostensibly here to help, but I think he just wants free food.”
Why this word
apparently
Ostensibly implies doubt about whether appearances match reality, while apparently is more neutral about truth
supposedly
Ostensibly suggests outward appearance that may hide truth, while supposedly emphasizes what others claim without personal verification
seemingly
Ostensibly carries stronger implication of deliberate presentation or possible deception, while seemingly just describes surface appearance
Usage tip
Use when you're skeptical about stated reasons or appearances
Etymology
Latin 'ostendere' (ob- before + tendere to stretch, show)
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