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ostensible reason
[/ɑːˈstɛnsəbəl ˈriːzən/]
noun phrase
pl: ostensible reasons
motivo aparente
1.
A reason that is stated or appears to be true, but may conceal the real or actual reason
The ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss budget cuts, but the real issue was the CEO's resignation.
O motivo aparente da reunião era discutir cortes orçamentários, mas a questão real era a renúncia do CEO.
2.
A superficial or claimed justification that masks hidden motives or intentions
On the ostensible reason of maintenance, they closed the factory for two weeks.
Com o motivo aparente de manutenção, eles fecharam a fábrica por duas semanas.
NYC Slang
cover story
Synonyms
pretext
surface reason
claimed reason
stated reason
apparent reason
Antonyms
real reason
actual reason
true reason
genuine reason
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
motivo aparente
Standard usage throughout Brazil
São Paulo
motivo aparente / pretexto
Both terms are commonly used
Rio de Janeiro
motivo aparente
Standard usage
Portugal
motivo aparente / razão alegada
Portuguese variant, 'razão alegada' also commonly used
Related Idioms & Phrases
under the guise of
on the face of it
on the pretext of
the real McCoy (antonym - actual reason)
pull the wool over someone's eyes (related action)
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