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Ostensibly vs Obviously - What's the difference?

ostensibly | obviously |

As adverbs the difference between ostensibly and obviously

is that ostensibly is (modal) seemingly, apparently, on the surface while obviously is in a obvious manner; clearly apparent.

ostensibly

English

Adverb

(-)
  • (modal) seemingly, apparently, on the surface
  • * 1889 , Leslie Stephen, Sidney Lee, Dictionary of national biography
    • 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...
  • * 2007 , Brian Herbert, Kevin J Anderson, Sandworms of Dune
    • 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, ostensively

    Related terms

    * ostensive

    obviously

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • In a obvious manner; clearly apparent.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
    • , chapter=8 citation , passage=It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.}}

    Synonyms

    * (in an obvious manner) apparently, clearly, evidently, manifestly