The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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putative

adjective

/ˈpjuːtətɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of putative

Generally considered or believed to be true or accurate, but has not been proven or confirmed.
"The putative benefits of the new diet plan were unproven by scientific research."

Detailed meaning of putative

It can also refer to something that is supposed or reputed to be true or to have a particular character or quality. For example, a putative father is a man who is believed to be the father of a child, but has not been legally determined to be the father. Similarly, a putative leader is someone who is considered to be a leader by others, but has not been officially appointed or elected to the role.

In scientific context, a putative gene is a gene that is believed to be related to a certain trait or disease based on its location on a chromosome or its similarity to other genes, but has not been conclusively proven to be responsible for that trait or disease.

It's important to note that the word putative implies a sense of uncertainty, as it indicates that something is believed to be true but not confirmed. Therefore, it's used to express doubt or lack of certainty about the truth of a statement.

Example sentences containing putative

1. The putative cure, still unproven, sparked a wave of hope globally.
2. A putative artifact was unearthed, yet its origins are unknown.
3. She's the putative expert, but I have my doubts honestly.
4. It's the putative best restaurant, praised but not proven.
5. His putative genius is noted, though yet to be confirmed.
6. The putative solution failed to ease the public's concern.

History and etymology of putative

The adjective 'putative' has a fascinating etymology rooted in Latin. It derives from the Latin word 'putare,' which means 'to think' or 'to consider.' The suffix '-tive' is borrowed from the Latin '-tivus,' denoting 'pertaining to' or 'having the quality of.' Therefore, the etymology of 'putative' reflects its essence as something 'pertaining to what is considered or thought to be true' but lacks definitive proof or confirmation. In essence, 'putative' describes things that are widely accepted or believed to be accurate based on common perception and opinion, rather than concrete evidence.

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Further usage examples of putative

1. A putative discovery, it awaits scientific validation.
2. The putative heir disappeared, sparking rumors and tales.
3. In the putative account, details remain largely unverified.
4. It’s the putative masterpiece, still, critiques exist.
5. A putative theory suggests it, proof, however, is lacking.
6. The putative leader of the group turned out to be a mere figurehead.
7. His putative wealth was a facade; he was actually deeply in debt.
8. The putative heir to the throne faced fierce competition from other claimants.
9. Despite his putative innocence, the evidence against him was overwhelming.
10. She held the putative title of the company's top salesperson for years.
11. The putative solution to the problem failed to address the root causes.
12. The putative owner of the lost wallet was relieved to find it at the lost and found.
13. The putative explanation for the strange phenomenon was met with skepticism.
14. Despite his putative authority, he had little influence over the team.
15. The putative culprit denied any involvement in the crime.
16. The putative cure for the disease offered hope to many patients.
17. The putative masterpiece turned out to be a forgery.
18. The putative route to the summit proved to be treacherous and impassable.
19. The putative cause of the accident was still under investigation.
20. She was the putative winner of the competition, but a recount was necessary.
21. The putative leader of the expedition was highly experienced in survival skills.
22. Despite their putative friendship, they rarely spent time together.
23. The putative success of the project relied on securing additional funding.
24. The putative expert on the subject was invited to speak at the conference.