Mammoth Memory

ostensible – Apparent. Appearing to be true but not necessarily so.

PRONUNCIATION

(Pronounced ost-ens-uh-bull)

To remember the definition of the word ostensible, use the following mnemonic:

The host was most sensible (ostensible). When it appeared his guests were getting drunk he gave them a cup of coffee.

The host was most sensible (ostensible). When it appeared his guests were getting drunk he gave them a cup of coffee.

 

Examples of ostensible in a sentence

Your ostensible prank has done a lot of damage, and now you must face the consequences of your actions.

While Jerry is the ostensible author of this amendment, there is some question of who actually deserves credit for the idea.

In this neighbourhood, George is the ostensible authority on native plants for landscaping.

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