Apparently or seemingly; used to suggest that something appears to be true but may not actually be so. It implies doubt about whether the surface appearance matches reality.
From Latin 'ostendere' meaning 'to show' or 'to display,' through French 'ostensible.' The word carries the sense of something being shown or displayed outwardly, but with possible hidden reality underneath.
This word is a diplomat's best friend - it lets you describe someone's stated reasons while subtly suggesting there might be hidden motives, making it perfect for polite skepticism in academic writing!
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