Meaning of purport in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /pərˈpɔrt/

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  1. Verb

    purport

    Etymology

    late Middle English (in the sense ‘express, signify’): from Old French purporter, from medieval Latin proportare, from Latin pro-‘forth’ + portare‘carry, bear’. The sense ‘appear to be’ dates from the late 18th century

    Definitions

    1. have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming

    Examples

    • « The letter purports to express people's opinion »
  2. 2. propose or intend

    Examples

    • « I aim to arrive at noon »

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    purport

    Definitions

    1. the intended meaning of a communication

    Derived terms

  4. 2. general meaning or tenor

    Examples

    • « caught the drift of the conversation »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « In a secular age, an authentic miracle must purport to be a hoax, in order to gain credit in the world. »
    Angela Carter
  • « We didn't set out to be educators or even scientists, and we don't purport that what we do is real science but we're demonstrating a methodology by which one can engage and satisfy your curiosity. »
    Adam Savage
  • « The Framers of the Bill of Rights did not purport to 'create' rights. Rather, they designed the Bill of Rights to prohibit our Government from infringing rights and liberties presumed to be preexisting. »
    William J. Brennan, Jr.

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