Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Ostensibly
adverb
/ os-TEN-sib-lee /
Medium
Meaning
Apparently or seemingly, according to what is stated or visible on the surface, but not necessarily reflecting the true underlying reason
Origin / Etymology
Latin ostensibilis — from ostendere meaning 'to show or display'; the notion of something put on show for appearances
Synonyms
Apparently
Seemingly
On the face of it
Purportedly
Superficially
Antonyms
Genuinely
Actually
Truly
In reality
Example Sentence
"The military aid was ostensibly provided for counter-terrorism purposes, but strategic analysts argued it was primarily aimed at securing basing rights in the region."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS-2 (IR, governance) and GS-3 (security) answers to signal a gap between stated and actual intent — a hallmark of sophisticated policy analysis. Phrases like 'ostensibly a development corridor but functionally a debt-trap' elevate IR answers. Also useful in GS-4 when discussing administrative pretexts used to justify ethical violations.
Relevant Subjects