Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Ostensible"

Episode Details:

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Merriam-Webster (Peter Sokolowski)
• Episode: Ostensible
• Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction to "Ostensible"

In the April 24, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intricate nuances of the adjective "ostensible." The podcast aims to enhance listeners' vocabulary by exploring the meanings, origins, and practical applications of selected words.

Definition and Pronunciation

Peter begins by presenting the word's pronunciation and definition:

• Spelling: O-S-T-E-N-S-I-B-L-E
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Definition: Used to describe something that seems or is said to be true or real but is possibly not true or real. Essentially, it implies that something is plausible rather than demonstrably true.

"Ostensible is an adjective. It's used to describe something that seems or is said to be true or real, but is possibly not true or real."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

Usage in Context

To illustrate the meaning of "ostensible," Peter provides a sentence from a musical piece:

"No drums, no bass, no conventional song structures. Hosiana Mantra was a 40-minute contemplation of the cosmos and cosmic love couched in words and sounds that explicitly linked it to humanity's grandest and most consistent way of considering religion. The ostensible polytheism conveyed by the name and the concept were only ways to realize how little we actually know and how much we wager through mere survival."
— Example from No Drums, No Bass [00:43]

This example showcases how "ostensible" describes the apparent polytheism of the work, which serves a deeper purpose beyond its immediate presentation.

Historical Context and Etymology

Peter explores the historical usage of "ostensible," tracing its roots to Latin:

• Latin Origin: From "ostendere," meaning "to hold out for inspection," "to show," or "to make clear by one's actions."

He emphasizes that while "ostensible" is still in use today, it often suggests a discrepancy between what is presented and the underlying truth.

Notable Historical Example

A significant historical illustration is provided through the correspondence between British philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham and Indian religious leader Ram Mohan Roy:

"British philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham once wrote to Indian religious leader Ram Mohan Roy asking him to 'send me two letters, one confidential, another ostensible.' By ostensible, he meant that, unlike the confidential letter, the latter one was intended to be shown to people other than Bentham himself."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This example highlights how "ostensible" differentiates between the publicly presented and the private intentions or content.

Modern Usage

Peter explains that in contemporary contexts, "ostensible" often implies that the stated reason for an action may mask the true intention. For instance:

"Someone might give seeing an old friend as their ostensible reason for planning a trip, when in reality they're planning on spending most of their time relaxing on the beach."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This usage underscores the word's connotation of superficial justification versus genuine motive.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter encourages listeners to incorporate "ostensible" into their vocabulary to articulate situations where there's a distinction between appearance and reality.

"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:44]

Additional Resources

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are invited to visit Merriam-Webster's website as mentioned towards the end of the podcast episode.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of "ostensible," offering listeners not only its definition but also historical context and practical examples to facilitate a deeper understanding and effective usage in everyday language.