purport definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

pur·port [ pər páwrt ]

transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle pur·port·ed, present participle pur·port·ing, 3rd person present singular pur·ports)

Definition:

1. claim to be something: to claim or seem to be something or somebody

The book purports to be a series of predictions.

2. intend something: to intend to do something ( formal )

While this new measure provided money for research, it also purported to cut spending overall.

noun

Definition:

1. sense: the meaning or significance of something

The purport of the remarks was difficult to discern.

2. intent: intention or purpose of something

The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that he would soon be leaving the country.

[15th century. Via Anglo-Norman purporter "carry forward" < Latin portare "carry"]

pur·port·ed adjective

Word Usage


	The passive form of the verb purport is often used in place of the active form with the same meaning: The novel purports [or is purported] to be autobiographical. Some people regard any passive use of the verb as incorrect, and it is often better to use alleged, supposed, or some other synonym in place of purported: The president is alleged [not purported] to have vetoed the proposal.