- Today's Word
Ostensible
ah-STEN-suh-buhl
Definition
(adjective) Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
Example
His ostensible reason for quitting was stress, but rumors pointed to deeper issues.
Fun Fact
The word ostensible is often used in social commentary and psychology, especially when discussing the gap between appearance and reality. In interpersonal relationships, people may offer ostensible reasons for actions—like ending a friendship or quitting a job—when deeper motives remain unspoken. The tension between what seems true and what actually is makes ostensible a powerful tool for manipulation, misdirection, and mystery.
(noun) A society or system governed by the wealthy.
Critics argued that the nation was drifting toward a plutocracy, where influence belonged only to those with deep pockets.
From Greek ploutos (“wealth”) and kratos (“power” or “rule”).