好词典

ostensibly

UK //ɒˈsten.sə.bli//US //ɑːˈsten.sə.bli//

词源

源自拉丁语 'ostendere'(意为“展示”或“显露”),通过法语 'ostensible' 进入英语,加上副词后缀 '-ly' 构成。

adverb

❶ 表面上看起来如此,但实际上可能有其他隐藏的原因或目的。常用于描述看似合理但未必真实的理由或情况。

“He was ostensibly there to help, but he didn't do anything.”

(他表面上说是来帮忙的,但实际上什么都没做。)

“The meeting was ostensibly about planning, but it turned into a debate.”

(这次会议表面上是关于计划的,但后来变成了一场辩论。)

同义词:apparently, seemingly, superficially

常见短语

ostensibly for — 表面上是为了某个目的,但实际可能有其他原因。常用于描述看似合理但未必真实的动机。

“He took the job ostensibly for the salary, but really because he admired the company.”

(他接受这份工作表面上是为了薪水,但实际上是因为他钦佩这家公司。)