Purported: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to something that is claimed to be true but is not proven. It's often used in legal or formal contexts.

• The purported benefits of the new drug are still under investigation.
• The document is a purported contract, but its validity is questionable.

This word is often used in legal or journalistic contexts to describe something that has been stated as true without proof, usually related to wrongdoing or accusations.

• The alleged thief was arrested last night.
• She is the alleged mastermind behind the fraud scheme.

Use this in a general sense when someone states that something is true, usually when there is some doubt or lack of proof.

• He claimed he saw a UFO near his house.
• They claimed the product could heal all diseases.

Use this when referring to something that is generally accepted or assumed to be true, often implying some doubt.

• She is supposed to be the best dancer in the school.
• The supposed benefits of the new policy are yet to be seen.

This word is used to describe something that appears to be true but might not be. It often implies skepticism or suspicion.

• The ostensible reason for his absence was illness, but many suspected otherwise.
• Her ostensible wealth was actually all borrowed.

Used when indicating something that is claimed to be true, but there might be doubts or lack of evidence supporting it.

• The purported benefits of the new drug have yet to be proven.
• They are investigating the purported fraud.

Refers to something widely known or believed about a person or thing, whether or not it is true, often based on reputation.

• He is reputed to be one of the best chefs in the city.
• The mansion is reputed to be haunted.

Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe events or actions that are said to have happened but have not been proven in court; comes with a connotation of doubt or accusation.

• The defendant is accused of the alleged crime.
• She flatly denied the alleged involvement in the theft.

Used to describe an assertion made by someone, usually providing no proof or evidence. Can be neutral or carry a slight sense of skepticism.

• He claimed he was not at the scene of the accident.
• The company claimed significant improvement in their sales.

Indicates something that is believed or assumed to be true, sometimes without concrete evidence. Can imply doubt or questioning of authenticity.

• His supposed friend turned out to be a scammer.
• The supposed benefits of the new method have yet to be confirmed.