Are you confused about the difference between apparently and ostensibly? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of apparently and ostensibly, and when it’s appropriate to use each one.
Apparently and ostensibly are both adverbs that describe how something appears or seems. However, there are subtle differences between the two.
Apparently is used to indicate that something is true based on the speaker’s perception or understanding, but it may not necessarily be true in reality. For example, “Apparently, the meeting was cancelled.” This suggests that the speaker has heard or been told that the meeting was cancelled, but they haven’t confirmed it themselves.
Ostensibly, on the other hand, is used to indicate that something is presented as true or real, but there may be reason to doubt its authenticity. For example, “Ostensibly, the company is doing well, but there are rumors of financial trouble.” This suggests that the company appears to be doing well, but there may be hidden issues that contradict this appearance.
It’s important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion or miscommunication. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common scenarios where apparently and ostensibly are used, and how to choose the right word for each situation.
Define Apparently
Apparently is an adverb that is used to indicate that something seems to be true based on the available evidence or information. This means that the information given may not be entirely accurate, but it is what appears to be true at the time. It is often used when there is some doubt or uncertainty about the information being presented.
For example, “Apparently, the meeting has been postponed until next week.” This suggests that the speaker has received information that the meeting has been postponed, but they are not entirely sure if this is true.
Define Ostensibly
Ostensibly is an adverb that is used to indicate that something is stated or done with the intention of appearing to be true, but there may be other motives or reasons behind it. This means that the information given may be misleading or deceptive, and is often used when there is suspicion that the information being presented is not entirely true.
For example, “Ostensibly, the company is cutting costs to improve efficiency, but in reality, they are trying to increase profits.” This suggests that the company is claiming to be cutting costs for one reason, but there may be other motives behind their actions.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words is crucial to conveying your message accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have different meanings, are apparently and ostensibly. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Apparently In A Sentence
The word apparently is used to indicate that something seems to be true, based on the available evidence or information. It is often used to express uncertainty or doubt about the truth of a statement. Here are a few examples:
- Apparently, the meeting has been rescheduled for next week.
- He apparently forgot to turn off the stove before leaving the house.
- She apparently didn’t receive the email I sent her.
In each of these examples, apparently is used to indicate that something seems to be true, but there is room for doubt or uncertainty.
How To Use Ostensibly In A Sentence
The word ostensibly is used to indicate that something is supposed to be true, but there may be reason to doubt its truthfulness. It is often used to express skepticism or suspicion about a statement. Here are a few examples:
- Ostensibly, the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
- The program is ostensibly designed to help low-income families, but many have criticized its implementation.
- He ostensibly supports the new policy, but his actions suggest otherwise.
In each of these examples, ostensibly is used to indicate that something is supposed to be true, but there is reason to doubt its truthfulness.
More Examples Of Apparently & Ostensibly Used In Sentences
Here are some more examples of how to use “apparently” and “ostensibly” in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Apparently In A Sentence
- Apparently, he was not aware of the new policy.
- She apparently forgot to lock the door.
- The company apparently had financial troubles.
- Apparently, the train was delayed by an hour.
- He apparently didn’t like the food.
- Apparently, the meeting has been rescheduled.
- She apparently didn’t receive the memo.
- Apparently, the store is closing down.
- He apparently didn’t hear the phone ringing.
- Apparently, the project will be completed next month.
As you can see, “apparently” is often used to indicate that something is believed to be true, but not necessarily confirmed.
Examples Of Using Ostensibly In A Sentence
- Ostensibly, the company is focused on sustainability.
- The film is ostensibly a romantic comedy, but has darker themes.
- Ostensibly, the new policy is meant to improve productivity.
- The book is ostensibly a memoir, but is heavily fictionalized.
- Ostensibly, the new CEO has a lot of experience in the industry.
- The program is ostensibly designed to help low-income families.
- Ostensibly, the new product is more efficient than the old one.
- The organization is ostensibly non-partisan, but has been accused of bias.
- Ostensibly, the new building is designed to be environmentally friendly.
- The company is ostensibly committed to diversity and inclusion.
“Ostensibly” is often used to indicate that something is believed to be true, but there may be other motives or reasons behind it.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “apparently” and “ostensibly,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:
Using Apparently When You Mean Ostensibly
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “apparently” when they actually mean “ostensibly.” While these words may seem similar, they have very different meanings. “Apparently” means that something appears to be true based on the evidence available, while “ostensibly” means that something is stated or appearing to be true, but may not actually be the case.
For example, if someone says “apparently, the meeting has been cancelled,” they are saying that based on the information they have, it appears that the meeting has been cancelled. If they were to say “ostensibly, the meeting has been cancelled,” they are saying that it has been stated or appears to be true that the meeting has been cancelled, but they are not sure if that is actually the case.
Using Ostensibly When You Mean Apparently
Another common mistake is using “ostensibly” when you actually mean “apparently.” This mistake can also lead to confusion and misunderstandings. If you use “ostensibly” when you mean “apparently,” you are implying that something is not true, even though it appears to be.
For example, if someone says “ostensibly, the company is doing well,” they are implying that the company is not actually doing well, even though it appears to be. If they were to say “apparently, the company is doing well,” they are simply stating that based on the evidence available, it appears that the company is doing well.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:
- Take the time to understand the definitions of both words.
- Think carefully about the meaning you want to convey before choosing which word to use.
- If you are unsure which word to use, look up the definitions or ask someone for clarification.
By taking these simple steps, you can avoid using “apparently” and “ostensibly” interchangeably and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Context Matters
Choosing between apparently and ostensibly can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words are used to describe something that appears to be true but may not actually be true. However, the choice between the two words can change depending on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between apparently and ostensibly might change:
Legal Context
In a legal context, the choice between apparently and ostensibly can be significant. For example, if a witness testifies that they saw the defendant apparently commit the crime, it suggests that they may not be entirely sure of what they saw. On the other hand, if the witness testifies that they saw the defendant ostensibly commit the crime, it suggests that they are more confident in what they saw.
Business Context
In a business context, the choice between apparently and ostensibly can also be important. For example, if a company apparently has a lot of cash on hand, it suggests that they may not actually be as financially stable as they appear. On the other hand, if a company ostensibly has a lot of cash on hand, it suggests that they are financially stable and have the resources to invest in future growth.
Social Context
In a social context, the choice between apparently and ostensibly can be more subtle. For example, if someone apparently has a lot of friends, it suggests that they may not actually have deep connections with those friends. On the other hand, if someone ostensibly has a lot of friends, it suggests that they have meaningful relationships with those friends.
As you can see, the choice between apparently and ostensibly can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and how they might affect the meaning of a sentence or statement.
Exceptions To The Rules
While apparently and ostensibly are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions to the rules where the two words may not be interchangeable. Here are a few cases where the rules for using apparently and ostensibly might not apply:
1. Irony And Sarcasm
In cases of irony and sarcasm, the use of apparently and ostensibly can be tricky. When used in a sarcastic or ironic context, the words can mean the opposite of their usual meanings. For example:
- “Well, apparently I’m not as smart as I thought I was.” (Sarcastic meaning: “I am actually very smart.”)
- “Ostensibly, he’s a great guy.” (Sarcastic meaning: “He’s actually not a great guy.”)
In these cases, it’s important to consider the context and tone of the statement to determine the intended meaning.
2. Legal And Technical Writing
In legal and technical writing, the use of apparently and ostensibly can have specific meanings that differ from their everyday usage. For example:
| Word | Legal/Technical Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Apparently | Based on the available evidence | “The defendant apparently had no motive for the crime.” |
| Ostensibly | As appears or is stated to be true, but may not actually be true | “The contract ostensibly guarantees payment, but there are loopholes.” |
In these contexts, it’s important to use the words in their specific legal or technical meanings to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between apparently and ostensibly, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help improve your understanding and usage of these two words.
Exercise 1
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The company’s apparently/ostensibly successful product launch was actually a failure.
- The politician apparently/ostensibly supported the new bill, but later voted against it.
- The restaurant apparently/ostensibly had a five-star rating, but the food was terrible.
- The athlete apparently/ostensibly injured his ankle during the game.
- The artist apparently/ostensibly painted the masterpiece in just one day.
Answer Key:
- ostensibly
- ostensibly
- apparently
- apparently
- apparently
Exercise 2
Write a sentence using each word correctly:
- apparently
- ostensibly
- apparently
- ostensibly
- apparently
Answer Key:
- The movie was apparently a hit at the box office.
- The company’s ostensibly eco-friendly products were found to be damaging to the environment.
- Apparently, the train is delayed by an hour.
- The politician was ostensibly in favor of the new policy, but his actions showed otherwise.
- The book apparently has a surprise ending.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of apparently and ostensibly. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and the intended meaning of each word.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the words apparently and ostensibly are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Apparently is used to indicate something that is seemingly true based on evidence or appearance, while ostensibly is used to indicate something that is claimed or professed but may not be true.
It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to use them correctly and avoid confusion or miscommunication. By paying attention to context and considering the speaker’s intentions, readers can better discern whether apparently or ostensibly is the more appropriate choice.
Key Takeaways
- Apparently and ostensibly are two words that are often confused but have distinct meanings.
- Apparently indicates something that is seemingly true based on evidence or appearance.
- Ostensibly indicates something that is claimed or professed but may not be true.
- Context and speaker intentions are important factors in determining which word to use.
By keeping these takeaways in mind, readers can improve their grammar and language use, and avoid common mistakes in their writing and communication.
Remember that language is constantly evolving, and there is always more to learn. By continuing to develop your understanding of grammar and usage, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.