Meaning vs Purport: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the words “meaning” and “purport”? While they may seem similar, they have distinct definitions and uses. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and their proper usage.

We should define the two terms. “Meaning” refers to the significance or intention behind a word, phrase, or action. It is the message or idea conveyed by something. “Purport,” on the other hand, refers to the apparent or intended purpose of something. It is the supposed meaning or significance of a text or statement.

While the two words are often used interchangeably, they are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference between them is important in ensuring clear and accurate communication.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the meanings and uses of these two words, and explore examples of how they can be used in various contexts.

Define Meaning

Meaning refers to the significance or purpose behind something. It is the message or idea that is conveyed through words, actions, or symbols. Meaning can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context and the individual’s perception. It is often used interchangeably with the term ‘definition’, which refers to the exact explanation of a word or phrase.

For example, the word ‘love’ has different meanings for different people. It can mean affection, attachment, or passion, depending on the person’s experiences and cultural background. In literature, the meaning of a text can be subjective and open to interpretation, as readers may have different perspectives on the author’s intended message.

Define Purport

Purport refers to the intended or assumed meaning of something, especially a written or spoken statement. It is the underlying message or purpose that is implied by the words used. Unlike meaning, purport is often associated with deception or misrepresentation, as it can be used to suggest something that is not necessarily true.

For example, a politician may purport to support a particular policy, but their actions may reveal a different agenda. In legal contexts, the purport of a contract or agreement is the intended meaning of the document, which may be subject to interpretation or dispute. The term ‘purported’ is often used to indicate that something is claimed to be true, but there is doubt or uncertainty about its accuracy.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly is vital in effective communication. The words “meaning” and “purport” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in their usage. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Meaning” In A Sentence

The word “meaning” refers to the definition or sense of a word, phrase, or expression. It is used to convey the significance or purpose of something. Here are some examples of how to use “meaning” in a sentence:

• “The meaning of the word ‘love’ is a strong feeling of affection.”
• “The meaning of this passage is open to interpretation.”
• “He didn’t understand the meaning behind her words.”

When using “meaning” in a sentence, it is important to be clear and concise in your expression. Avoid using the word redundantly or inappropriately.

How To Use “Purport” In A Sentence

The word “purport” refers to the meaning or intention behind something, especially when it is not explicitly stated. It is often used to express a claim or allegation. Here are some examples of how to use “purport” in a sentence:

• “The article purports to reveal the truth about the politician’s scandal.”
• “The email purports to be from a bank, but it is actually a phishing scam.”
• “The book purports to be a historical account, but many of the facts are disputed.”

When using “purport” in a sentence, it is important to be cautious and precise in your language. Avoid making unfounded claims or using the word in a misleading way.

More Examples Of Meaning & Purport Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the differences between meaning and purport, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these words might be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Meaning In A Sentence

• She couldn’t quite grasp the meaning of the poem.
• The meaning behind his words was lost on me.
• He spent hours pondering the meaning of life.
• The meaning of the word had changed over time.
• She was searching for the deeper meaning in her work.
• He was struggling to find meaning in his existence.
• The meaning of the song was clear to everyone in the audience.
• They debated the meaning of the text for hours.
• She found new meaning in the words of the old text.
• He was fascinated by the meaning behind the ancient symbols.

Examples Of Using Purport In A Sentence

• The purport of his message was clear.
• She questioned the purport of his statement.
• He was accused of distorting the purport of the research.
• The purport of the law was to protect consumers.
• She was skeptical of the purport of the advertisement.
• He misunderstood the purport of the email.
• The purport of the story was lost in translation.
• They debated the purport of the document for days.
• She was unsure of the purport of the new policy.
• He was able to discern the purport of the ancient text.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, there are many words that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings. Two such words are “meaning” and “purport.” While they may seem similar, they have distinct definitions and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably:

1. Using “Meaning” When They Actually Mean “Purport”

Many people use the word “meaning” when they actually mean “purport.” The two words may seem interchangeable, but they have different meanings. “Meaning” refers to the definition or explanation of something, while “purport” refers to the intended or implied meaning of something. For example, if someone says “I didn’t understand the meaning of your message,” they are actually referring to the purport of the message, not the definition of the words used.

2. Using “Purport” When They Actually Mean “Meaning”

On the flip side, some people use “purport” when they actually mean “meaning.” This mistake is less common, but it still happens. “Purport” refers to the intended or implied meaning of something, while “meaning” refers to the definition or explanation of something. For example, if someone says “I don’t know the purport of this law,” they are actually referring to the meaning of the law, not the intended or implied meaning.

3. Using The Words Interchangeably

Finally, some people use the words “meaning” and “purport” interchangeably, without realizing that they have different meanings. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. It is important to use the correct word in the correct context to avoid confusion.

To avoid making these mistakes, here are some tips:

• Take the time to understand the definitions of both words.
• Think about the context in which you are using the words.
• Double-check your usage of the words to ensure that you are using the correct one.

By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes when using “meaning” and “purport” in your writing and speaking.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between meaning and purport, context plays a crucial role. Depending on the context, the choice between these two terms can either be straightforward or require careful consideration.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between meaning and purport might change:

• Legal Context: In a legal context, the term “meaning” is often used to refer to the plain and ordinary meaning of a word or phrase. On the other hand, “purport” is used to refer to the intended or implied meaning of a word or phrase. For example, in a contract, the meaning of a specific clause might be clear, but the purport of the entire contract might be subject to interpretation.
• Literary Context: In a literary context, the choice between meaning and purport can depend on the author’s intentions. The meaning of a particular passage might be clear, but the purport of the entire work might be more complex. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the meaning of the famous line “To be or not to be” might be clear, but the purport of the entire play is subject to interpretation.
• Philosophical Context: In a philosophical context, the choice between meaning and purport can depend on the nature of the discussion. “Meaning” might be used to refer to the objective or subjective meaning of a particular concept, while “purport” might be used to refer to the intended or implied meaning of a particular argument. For example, in a discussion about the meaning of life, the purport of the argument might be more important than the precise meaning of individual words or phrases.

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between meaning and purport can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It is important to consider the nuances of each term and how they might apply to the particular situation at hand.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using meaning and purport apply in most cases, there are exceptions where they might not be applicable. Here are some examples:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, the term “meaning” is often used to refer to the dictionary definition of a word, while “purport” refers to the intended meaning of a legal document or provision. For instance, a court might interpret a contract based on its purport rather than its literal meaning if the literal meaning would lead to an absurd result.

2. Literary Analysis

In literary analysis, the terms “meaning” and “purport” can have different connotations depending on the school of thought. For instance, New Criticism emphasizes the text’s intrinsic meaning, while Reader-Response Criticism emphasizes the reader’s subjective interpretation of the text’s purport. Therefore, the use of these terms in literary analysis should be approached with caution and with an understanding of the critical framework being used.

3. Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can also affect the use of meaning and purport. For example, in some cultures, indirect communication is preferred, and the intended meaning of a message might be conveyed through nonverbal cues or context. In such cases, the purport of a message might be more important than its literal meaning.

4. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words. In such cases, the purport of the expression is more important than its literal meaning. For example, “kick the bucket” is an idiom that means “to die,” but its literal meaning has nothing to do with death.

Overall, while the rules for using meaning and purport are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of the exceptions where they might not apply.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between meaning and purport, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. The following exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these concepts in sentences:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Instructions:	Choose the correct word (meaning or purport) to complete each sentence.
Example:	The meaning of this sentence is unclear.
1.	The of this text is difficult to decipher.
2.	The of this painting is open to interpretation.
3.	The of this law is to protect the environment.
4.	The of this song is about lost love.
5.	The of this email is urgent.

Answer Key:

1. Purport
2. Meaning
3. Purport
4. Meaning
5. Purport

Exercise 2: Identify The Difference

For each pair of sentences, identify the difference between the meaning and the purport of the sentence.

• Example:
• Meaning: The store is closed.
• Purport: You cannot enter the store.
• Difference: The meaning is a statement of fact, while the purport is a directive.
• 1.
• Meaning: The sign says “No Parking.”
• Purport: You cannot park your car here.
• Difference:
• 2.
• Meaning: The recipe calls for two cups of flour.
• Purport: You should use two cups of flour in the recipe.
• Difference:
• 3.
• Meaning: The teacher gave the student an F.
• Purport: The student did not meet the requirements for passing the class.
• Difference:

Answer Key:

• 1. The meaning is a statement of fact, while the purport is a directive.
• 2. The meaning is a statement of fact, while the purport is an instruction.
• 3. The meaning is a statement of fact, while the purport is an evaluation.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of meaning and purport in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and tone of a sentence in order to determine its meaning or purport.

Conclusion

After exploring the difference between meaning and purport, it is evident that these two terms are closely related yet distinct from each other. While meaning refers to the literal definition of a word or phrase, purport refers to the intended or implied meaning behind it.

It is important to understand the difference between these terms, as misusing them can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. By using language accurately and precisely, we can ensure that our message is conveyed effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Meaning refers to the literal definition of a word or phrase, while purport refers to the intended or implied meaning behind it.
• Misusing these terms can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
• Using language accurately and precisely is crucial for effective communication.

As language is constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use. By doing so, we can improve our communication skills and avoid common mistakes.

So, keep exploring the fascinating world of language and enjoy the endless possibilities it offers!