ostensive

American  

[o-sten-siv] / ɒˈstɛn sɪv /

adjective

1. clearly or manifestly demonstrative.

2. ostensible.

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ostensive British  

/ ɒˈstɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. obviously or manifestly demonstrative

2. a less common word for ostensible

3. philosophy (of a definition) given by demonstrative means, esp by pointing

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Other Word Forms

• nonostensive adjective
• nonostensively adverb
• ostensively adverb
• unostensive adjective
• unostensively adverb

Etymology

Origin of ostensive

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin ostēnsīvus, equivalent to Latin ostēns(us), variant of ostentus, past participle of ostendere “to present, display” ( o(b)s, variant of ob- “to, toward, on” + tend(ere) “to stretch” + -tus past participle suffix) + -īvus adjective suffix; ob-, -ive

Example Sentences

Rather, he is ostensively defining what he calls “the smug style in American liberalism.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It serves mainly to provide the regime with ostensive evidence of its power and technological progress.

From Project Gutenberg

He jerked forward in his chair, "Except, of course, ostensively."

From Project Gutenberg

Explain the meaning of "ostensive" and "indirect" Reduction.

From Project Gutenberg

No proof, in a question of that nature, can be so showy and ostensive to a stranger, as that which is supplied by this vindictive pamphlet.

From Project Gutenberg