Purport Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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purport
[pərˈpɔːrt ]
Definitions
to claim
To purport means to appear or claim to be or do something, especially in a way that is misleading. It often involves representing oneself or something as being of a certain nature or quality.
Synonyms
assert, claim, imply, pretend.
Examples of usage
- The letter purported to be from the president.
- She purports to have insider knowledge of the company.
- The film purports to be a documentary.
- He purports to be an expert in the field.
intended meaning
As a noun, purport refers to the intended meaning or significance of something. It's often used to discuss the underlying implication or purpose of a statement or action.
Synonyms
content, importance, meaning, significance.
Examples of usage
- The purport of the message was lost in translation.
- The purport of the agreement was unclear.
- The purport of his argument was to challenge the status quo.
- She questioned the purport of the policy changes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, the term often refers to documents that state a claim but may not be truthful or valid.
- Statements made in court can purport to be evidence, though their reality may come under scrutiny.
Philosophy
- Philosophers examine what it means for something to purport to represent reality, impacting discussions on truth.
- The concept of purport brings up questions about intention versus interpretation in communication.
Literature
- Writers sometimes create characters or narratives that purport to reflect a certain truth, while subverting it.
- In literary analysis, examining what a text purports to mean versus what it conveys can reveal deeper insights.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often presents scenarios that purport to show real-life situations, though many viewers question their authenticity.
- Social media posts may purport to offer genuine experiences or knowledge, but sometimes they highlight a curated version of reality.
Origin of 'purport'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'purportare', meaning 'to carry forward', which hints at how it conveys meaning.
- In its early use in English during the 15th century, it often related to the idea of claiming something.
The word 'purport' comes from the Middle French term 'porport', which means 'to carry' or 'to bear'. It originally entered the English language in the 15th century, where it was used to convey the act of claiming or alleging something. The Latin root 'proportare' translates to 'to carry forth', tying to the initial sense of bearing or presenting a claim. Over time, the usage of 'purport' evolved to encompass both its verb form, meaning to claim, and its noun form, referring to the meaning or intention behind a statement. It reflects a complex interplay between perception and reality, often highlighting instances where claims may not align with truth.