ostensive
Americanadjective
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obviously or manifestly demonstrative
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a less common word for ostensible
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philosophy (of a definition) given by demonstrative means, esp by pointing
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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; see ob-, -ive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Such has been the trope of the rom-com since Carole Lombard crumpled in the arms of John Barrymore, but today’s ostensive “trainwrecks” transcend the genre and the Hollywood arena.
From Salon • Aug. 10, 2015
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 Theological Essays and Other Papers — Volume 2 by De Quincey, Thomas
Reduction of propositions, 667. of the dilemma, 796. of disjunctive syllogisms, 766. indirect, 691. mnemonics for, 697. ostensive or direct, 673. of partly conjunctive syllogisms, 744.
From Deductive Logic by Stock, St. George William Joseph
It serves mainly to provide the regime with ostensive evidence of its power and technological progress.
From Area Handbook for Albania by Elpern, Sarah Jane
This instinct is far stronger and has more very ostensive outcrops than in any other age and land, and it is less controlled by the authority of school or the home.
From Creative Impulse in Industry A Proposition for Educators by Marot, Helen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
