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Purportedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purportedly

[pəˈpɔːrtɪdli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in the manner that is claimed or rumored

Used to convey that the information one is giving is based on what one has heard claimed or rumored by others, rather than on one's own knowledge or experience.

Examples of usage

  • He was purportedly the richest man in town.
  • The document was purportedly signed by the CEO.
  • The product is purportedly the best on the market.
  • The meeting was purportedly scheduled for tomorrow.
  • She purportedly has connections to high-ranking officials.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, 'purportedly' often describes statements or documents whose authenticity is questioned but assumed to be correct for argument's sake.
  • Judges may refer to purported agreements in cases when determining intentions behind actions without confirming their validity.
  • Lawyers might use the term to discuss claims made in court that require further evidence for validation.

Media and Communication

  • The term is frequently used in journalism to indicate that information is based on claims from sources without verification.
  • In digital communication, 'purportedly' raises awareness of misinformation or unconfirmed reports circulating online.
  • Social media often amplifies purported claims, leading to debates about trustworthiness.

Philosophy

  • 'Purportedly' relates to discussions about belief and truth, particularly in examining how assertions affect perceptions.
  • Philosophers analyze the implications of purported truths, exploring the difference between what is believed and what is factual.
  • This discussion expands into how purported knowledge might impact ethical decision-making.

Cultural References

  • In pop culture, the word often appears in movies or novels to highlight deception or unclear truths among characters.
  • Songs and art can reflect themes of doubt and perception, exploring what is purportedly real versus actual realities.
  • The term hints at ways different cultures interpret truth, especially in folklore or myth.

Origin of 'purportedly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'purportedly' comes from the verb 'purport,' which has roots in the Latin word 'purportare,' meaning 'to carry forward.'
  • It has been in use since the 16th century, originally used to describe things that seem true but lack proof.
  • The prefix 'pur-' suggests bringing or carrying, while '-tedly' indicates the manner of being carried or stated.

The word 'purportedly' is derived from the verb 'purport', which comes from the Old French word 'purporter', meaning 'to convey, to have significance'. The suffix '-edly' is added to form the adverb 'purportedly'. The term has been in use since the late 19th century to indicate that something is claimed or rumored, rather than confirmed or verified.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,347, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.