What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tensibly
Example
The company's decision to lay off employees was ostensibly due to budget cuts. [ostensibly: adverb]
Example
He tensibly claimed to have seen a UFO in his backyard. [tensibly: adverb]
ostensibly
Example
The new policy was ostensibly put in place to improve customer service. [ostensibly: adverb]
Example
She ostensively agreed to help, but never followed through. [ostensibly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ostensibly is more commonly used than tensibly in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tensibly and ostensibly?
Ostensibly is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts, while tensibly is less common and may be considered more informal.
