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purport

Verb

IPA /pəˈpɔːt/

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Meaning in plain English

To claim to be or do something, especially when that claim is doubtful.

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Pronunciation

purport/pəˈpɔːt/

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  1. A message claims to be from a bank

  2. Its claimed identity is doubtful

A message may purport to be official without proving that it is.

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Examples in context

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  1. The message purports to come from my bank, but the sender looks unfamiliar.
  2. The report purports to explain the failure without presenting enough evidence.

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To claim to be or do something, especially when that claim is doubtful.
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purport — To claim to be or do something, especially when that claim is doubtful.

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To claim to be or do something, especially when that claim is doubtful.

Compare: The message purports to come from my bank, but the sender looks unfamiliar.

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Word origin

From Old French purporter, ultimately from medieval Latin proportare, related to carrying forth.

Did you know?

Purported is a related adjective meaning claimed or supposed: the purported benefits.

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purport

/pəˈpɔːt/ (Verb)

“Formal: use purport to be or purport to do something. It often signals distance from the claim, rather than agreement with it.”

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