Ostensible

Meaning

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so; outwardly apparent

Origin / Etymology

Latin ostendere (to show, display), via ostensibilis

Synonyms

Apparent Purported Nominal

Antonyms

Real Genuine Actual

Example Sentence

"The ostensible reason for the 2023 EC appointments law was independence, but critics call the new selection committee executive-dominated."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 Polity essays on institutional independence; useful for critique-style answers where stated rationale diverges from structural outcome.

Relevant Subjects

← All Words

A new UPSC word every morning Word of the Day at 7am, plus daily current affairs and free PDFs