Master confusing words with ease
Ostensibly vs. Ostentatiously
Ostensibly
/ɒˈstensəbli/Examples:
He was ostensibly at work, but his car stayed parked.Ostensibly, they were a happy couple, but rumors spread.The meeting was ostensibly about budget cuts, yet plans changed.
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Antonyms:
Ostentatiously
Examples:
She ostentatiously arranged her trophies on the shelf.He ostentatiously adjusted his designer glasses before speaking.The gala was an ostentatiously extravagant affair.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember that ostensibly often leads to a hidden truth or ulterior motive, while ostentatiously is about being flashy or showy.
- Ostensibly sounds like obviously, but it's often misleading – what appears obvious is not the real truth.
- Think of ostentatiously as o for over the top, emphasizing how it's about exaggerated display.
- Ostensibly is used in situations involving a double meaning or facade, often masking the true intent.
- Ostentatiously stresses on excess display and should be associated with actions meant to attract attention.
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