What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
professedly
Example
He professedly supports the new policy, but his actions suggest otherwise. [professedly: adverb]
Example
The company professedly values diversity, but their hiring practices tell a different story. [professedly: adverb]
ostensibly
Example
Ostensibly, the new law is meant to protect consumers, but it also benefits large corporations. [ostensibly: adverb]
Example
She took the job ostensibly for the salary, but she also wanted to gain experience in the field. [ostensibly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ostensibly is more commonly used than professedly in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between professedly and ostensibly?
Both professedly and ostensibly are formal words that are typically used in written or academic contexts, although ostensibly can also be used in informal speech.
