How to Pronounce Ostensible

To pronounce "ostensible", say OST-ens-ibl-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ostensible

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Accent

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4

Syllables

10

Letters

/ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ostensible”

"ostensible" has 4 syllables: ost-ens-ibl-e. It rhymes with sensible and indispensable, if that helps it stick.

What does ostensible mean?

adjective

  1. Apparent, evident; meant for open display.
  2. Appearing as such; being such in appearance; professed, supposed (rather than demonstrably true or real).

    “The ostensible reason for his visit to New York was to see his mother, but the real reason was to get to the Yankees game the next day.”

Antonyms

ulterior

Hear “ostensible” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with ostensible

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

sensibleindispensableincomprehensibleinsensiblecomprehensiblereprehensibleindispensibledispensableindefensibledefensibletensiblecompensable

Related words

ostensiveseemingapparentimitativesuperficialcounterfeitmanifestconspicuous

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ostensible"?▾

"Ostensible" has 4 syllables: ost · ens · ibl · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "ostensible"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ostensible" is /ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl/.

What does "ostensible" mean?▾

Ostensible: Apparent, evident; meant for open display.

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