Ostensible/ɑːˈstensəbl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Reality Use 'ostensible' to suggest there's more than meets the eye. His ostensible joy hid a deep sadness. Pro Tip 2/3Surface Level 'Ostensible' refers to what seems visible, not proven truth. The ostensible harmony in the team was misleading. Pro Tip 3/3Doubt and Uncertainty Use it when you want to express doubt about a stated reason or fact. She left for ostensible health reasons, but we were skeptical.