purport
purport Lexical Profile
purport Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To appear or claim to be or do something, especially falsely or without sufficient proof.
"The manuscript purports to be an unpublished diary from the seventeenth century, though historians remain skeptical."
To convey, express, or imply as a meaning or intention (used especially of a text or formal statement).
"The clause does not purport to grant absolute immunity to the contractors."
• noun
The meaning, general drift, or main substance of a document, speech, or action, especially as outwardly appears or is intended to be understood.
"Although the legal contract was lengthy and complex, its general purport was clear to everyone in the room."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'purport' is followed by a to-infinitive or a 'that' clause and carries a strong implication of doubt or skepticism regarding whether the claim is actually true.
• Rhymes for purport
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Anglo-French purporter ('to embody, intend, or convey'), formed from pur- (from Latin pro-, meaning 'forth') and porter (from Latin portare, meaning 'to carry').