Ostensibly vs Allegedly - What's the difference?
ostensibly | allegedly |
(modal) seemingly, apparently, on the surface
* 1889 , Leslie Stephen, Sidney Lee, Dictionary of national biography
*
* 2007 , Brian Herbert, Kevin J Anderson, Sandworms of Dune
According to someone's allegation.
According to someone's conspicuous impressions (which could be alleged ensuingly).
* {{quote-news
, year=2008
, date=13/11/2008
, author=Jason Whitlock
, title=The 10 best and 10 worst NFL coaches
, work=
* {{quote-news
, year=2009
, date=02/20/2009
, author=
, title=The Closer
, work=
As adverbs the difference between ostensibly and allegedly
is that ostensibly is seemingly, apparently, on the surface while allegedly is according to someone's allegation.ostensibly
English
Adverb
(-)- On 13 June the peshwa signed a new treaty, ostensibly complying with the demands of the British government...
- Up to a year or two ago it had been the custom to kill horses in the yards — ostensibly for fertilizer...
- People strive to achieve perfection — ostensibly an honorable goal — but complete perfection is dangerous. To be imperfect, but human, is far preferable.
Synonyms
* (seemingly) apparently, arguably, at first blush, seemingly, ostensivelyallegedly
English
Adverb
(-)- The suspect was allegedly involved in the robbery, but his alibi placed him in another state at the time.
- The game is allegedly exciting.
citation, page= , passage=Philip Rivers is allegedly having the best season of any quarterback in the league. }}
citation, page= , passage=...her onscreen tears are allegedly real. }}