Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ostensive

adjective

/ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

Definition

directly demonstrating or indicating something, rather than merely describing it.

Examples

In an ostensive definition, the teacher showed the students the objects rather than just describing them.
The artist’s work was ostensive; viewers understood its meaning just by looking at it.

Meaning

Ostensive refers to a method of definition or explanation in which something is made clear through direct demonstration or illustration. It emphasizes showing rather than telling.