
好词典

源自法语 ostensible(18世纪),来自拉丁语 ostendere(展示),由 ob-(朝向) + tendere(伸展)构成。
❶ 表面上看起来的,但可能并非真实情况。常用于描述看似合理或公开宣称的理由,实际可能有隐藏动机。
“The ostensible reason for his visit was to discuss business, but he really wanted to see her.”
(他来访的表面理由是谈生意,但实际上是想见她。)
“She accepted the job with the ostensible purpose of gaining experience.”
(她接受这份工作的表面目的是为了积累经验。)
ostensible reason — 公开宣称但可能不真实的理由,常用于解释行为或决策的表面动机。
“The ostensible reason for the delay was bad weather, but we suspected other factors.”
(延误的公开理由是天气恶劣,但我们怀疑有其他因素。)
ostensible purpose — 表面上声称的目的,可能与实际意图不一致。
“The meeting's ostensible purpose was team building, but it felt like a punishment.”
(会议表面目的是团队建设,但感觉像是一种惩罚。)