How to pronounce ostensibly
Say it like o-STEN-suh-blee. Ostensibly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEN).
- o
- STEN
- suh
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ostensibly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- oKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- STENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ostensibly
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: o-STEN-sih-blee.
What does ostensibly mean?
- Seemingly, apparently, on the surface; supposedly, according to representations or implications made by someone (especially when their motives are suspected by others).“His interest in the railway was ostensibly a hobby, but people began wondering why he was taking photos of specific trains and specific equipment.”
Where does ostensibly come from?
From ostensible + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- apparently
- arguably
- ostensively
- seemingly
- on the face of it
Words that rhyme with ostensibly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ostensibly.
Questions about saying ostensibly
How do you pronounce ostensibly?
Say o-STEN-suh-blee. The American pronunciation is /ɑˈstɛnsəbli/. In British English it is /ɒˈstɛnsɪbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ostensibly?
Ostensibly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEN). Broken into parts: o · STEN · suh · blee.
Is ostensibly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɒˈstɛnsɪbli/ (o-STEN-sih-blee).