- 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.
(adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional in behavior or speech; exaggerated for effect.
Her reaction to the minor inconvenience was so histrionic that everyone nearby stopped to stare.
Histrionic comes from the Latin histrio, meaning “actor,” and originally referred to stage performance. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe behavior that resembles theatrical acting—exaggerated, emotional, and designed to draw attention.