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purport

verb

/pəˈpɔːt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of purport

To claim or profess to be or do something, often with the implication that the claim may not be entirely truthful or accurate.
"Why does he purport to be an expert when he has little experience?"

Detailed meaning of purport

When someone 'purports' to do or be something, they are making a statement or assertion, suggesting that they have a certain identity, intention, or capability, but there may be doubts or skepticism about the validity of their claim. This term conveys the idea of presenting oneself or one's actions in a particular light, potentially with the intent to deceive or mislead. 'Purport' underscores the element of assertion and the potential for ambiguity or suspicion surrounding the claimed identity or intent, leaving room for questions about the veracity of the statement.

Example sentences containing purport

1. They purport to have seen a ghost in the haunted mansion.
2. We purport to provide the best service in town.
3. These documents purport to prove her innocence.
4. They purport to support the charity, but their actions suggest otherwise.
5. Though the company's mission statements purport to value employees, the reality seems different.
6. Does this evidence purport to explain the mysterious phenomenon?

History and etymology of purport

The verb 'purport' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'purportare,' which is a combination of 'purus' meaning 'pure' and 'portare' meaning 'to carry' or 'to convey.' Therefore, 'purport' etymologically conveys the idea of carrying or conveying something as pure or genuine. Over time, it evolved to describe the act of claiming or professing to be or do something, often with the implication that the claim may not be entirely truthful or accurate. The term 'purport' emphasizes the act of conveying an assertion or message, suggesting an intention to present it as genuine, even if there are doubts about its accuracy or truthfulness. Its etymology underscores the idea of communication that carries an assertion, with the understanding that it may not be wholly sincere or accurate.

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Further usage examples of purport

1. The instructions purport to make the assembly easy, but I find it confusing.
2. These pills purport to enhance memory, but the results are mixed.
3. The legends purport to describe the origin of the world.
4. Why do you purport to love art when you never visit galleries?
5. He purport to be a close friend of the celebrity, but I doubt it's true.
6. The organization purport to save endangered species, but their efforts are questionable.
7. I'm suspicious of these figures; they purport to represent the entire population.
8. They purport to be the only ones capable of solving the problem.
9. The new regulations purport to protect consumers, but many feel otherwise.
10. The brochure purport to offer a complete guide, but it's lacking in detail.
11. These laws purport to establish equality, but some argue that they fall short.
12. The advertisement purport to present the product accurately, but it exaggerates some features.
13. Does this theory purport to explain all the known facts about the universe?
14. The website purports to offer exclusive insider information.
15. He purports to be an expert, but his knowledge is limited.
16. The company's ads purport incredible health benefits.
17. She purports to have witnessed a UFO sighting.
18. Some online articles purport false medical remedies.
19. The document purports to reveal classified government secrets.
20. He may purport innocence, but the evidence is compelling.
21. The email purports to be from a Nigerian prince.
22. Online scams often purport unbelievable riches.
23. The book purports to unveil the mysteries of the universe.
24. Don't trust everything that purports to be factual on the internet.