How Do You Spell OSTENSIVE?

Pronunciation: [ɒstˈɛnsɪv] (IPA)

Ostensive is a complex word that is often misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ɑːˈstɛnsɪv/, which can help explain the spelling. The "o" is pronounced as "aw," the "s" is followed by a silent "t" creating a "st" sound, and the "e" is pronounced as "eh." The word also ends with a combination of the letters "sive", which can be difficult to remember. Despite its challenge, remembering the correct spelling of ostensive is important for effective communication.

OSTENSIVE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "ostensive" is an adjective that refers to something that is displayed, shown, or presented in a clear and direct manner. Derived from the Latin word "ostendere" meaning "to show," it is commonly used to describe actions or situations where something is demonstrated or made known in a highly visible and tangible way.

   In a linguistic context, the concept of "ostensive" is closely related to the use of gestures or demonstrations to convey meaning. When a person points to an object to indicate its name or uses illustrations to explain a concept, they are employing an ostensive approach to communication. By providing visual or experiential examples, the intention is to make the meaning unequivocal and readily understandable to others.

   Furthermore, "ostensive" can also be used to describe social cues or behavior that plainly and explicitly expresses a particular sentiment or message. For instance, a person may exhibit ostensive behavior by excessively showing off their wealth, signaling their desire for attention and admiration.

   In summary, the term "ostensive" pertains to the act of conveying meaning or expressing oneself in a clear and visible manner, often through demonstrations, gestures, visual aids, or explicit behavior. Whether in language or social interactions, the aim is to make information easily understandable or to evoke a specific response by showcasing it directly.

2. Showing; betokening; indirect.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OSTENSIVE

• istensive
• kstensive
• lstensive
• pstensive
• 0stensive
• 9stensive
• oatensive
• oztensive
• oxtensive
• odtensive
• oetensive
• owtensive
• osrensive
• osfensive
• osgensive
• osyensive
• os6ensive
• os5ensive
• ostwnsive

Etymology of OSTENSIVE

The word ostensive has its origins in the Latin term ostensus, which is the past participle of the verb ostendere. Ostendere can be broken down into two parts: ob- (meaning against or towards) and tendere (meaning to stretch or to extend). Therefore, ostendere could be translated as to stretch out or to show. From ostendere, the English word ostensive was derived, retaining the basic meaning of showing or displaying.

Similar spelling words for OSTENSIVE

• ostensibly,
• ostensible,
• ostentate,
• osteen.