ostensibly
Say it: o-STEN-sih-blee /ɑˈstɛnsəbli/ · adverb
What “ostensibly” means
Apparently, though the truth may be different.
More precisely: Apparently or supposedly, though perhaps not actually.
Example: “The meeting was ostensibly about the budget, but really about who would lead the project.”
When to use it
When describing the apparent reason or purpose while hinting at another possibility, often with a sceptical or knowing tone.
Similar words
apparently, supposedly, seemingly
Where it comes from
From Latin ostendere, "to show."
Quick check
He visits supposedly to return a bowl, but spends the whole time admiring your new puppy. He came…
openly to return the bowl or ostensibly to return the bowl?
Show the answer
ostensibly to return the bowl
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