Concept in Definition ABC

The adjective ostensible incorporates the suffix ble, indicating capacity or fitness. Thus, something is ostensible when it can be shown or manifested. It is also used to express that something is evident and indisputable. If someone claims that he has a conspicuous stain on his shirt, he is pointing out a fact: that it is impossible not to see the stain.

Situations where the term is used

Sometimes the adverbial form is used adding the suffix mind, ostensibly. Thus, while in its adjective form it serves to qualify a noun, such as adverb acts to describe a verb ("he ostensibly looks at the girl").

The phrase "make something conspicuous" is used when it is intended to make it known in a clear and forceful way, showing it without any dissimulation. Let's imagine that a student disagrees with the decision of a teacher and decides to communicate it openly. In this circumstance we could say that "the student made his disagreement evident and told the teacher everything he thought about it." Sometimes doing something conspicuous is a form of ostentation, that is, presenting something with a

attitude arrogance or with an air of superiority.

In opposition

The opposite of ostensible would be imperceptible or invisible, that is, that which cannot be clearly appreciated.

Bases on communication

In the phenomenon of communication There are two elements: words and aspects of non-verbal communication, for example, gestures or tone of voice. The former are ostensible, while the rest are not. Something very similar happens in relation to other phenomena, in which there are things about which there are obvious aspects and others that are not.

Ostensible, objective or subjective?

On beginning, the ostensible is that which is obvious and on which there is no discussion some. This adjective apparently has an objective meaning. However, its objectivity is a debatable issue, since there is not always an agreement when evaluating or qualifying things. Let's see the objectivity or subjectivity of this adjective with a simple example. Imagine a person with a great fortune (very expensive cars, a large mansion and all kinds of luxuries). It could be said that his wealth is ostensible. However, wealth is a relative and comparative matter. The wealth of that same individual will be apparent in a context of middle class and it will cease to be if you live among the rich.

The above example highlights that words have meaning within a communication context and not absolutely.

Themes in Ostensible