Purported vs Putative: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about the difference between purported and putative? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of purported and putative, and when it’s appropriate to use each one.

Purported and putative are both adjectives that describe something as being assumed or believed to be true, but without conclusive proof. However, there are subtle differences between the two words.

Purported is the proper word to use when referring to something that is claimed or alleged to be true, but there is reason to doubt its veracity. For example, a newspaper might report on the purported sighting of a UFO, meaning that someone claims to have seen a UFO, but there is no concrete evidence to support the claim.

Putative, on the other hand, is the proper word to use when referring to something that is generally accepted or believed to be true, but there is still some uncertainty. For example, a putative father is a man who is assumed to be the biological father of a child, but this has not been legally established.

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and usage.

Define Purported

Purported is an adjective that means something is claimed or alleged to be true or real, but there is no proof or evidence to support the claim. It is often used to describe something that is considered questionable or doubtful.

For example, a purported miracle cure for a disease may be advertised, but there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. In legal terms, a purported agreement may be considered invalid if it lacks the necessary elements to make it legally binding.

Define Putative

Putative is also an adjective, but it has a slightly different meaning than purported. It refers to something that is generally accepted or believed to be true, but there may be some doubt or uncertainty surrounding it.

For example, a putative father is a man who is assumed to be the biological father of a child, but this has not been legally established. A putative theory is a hypothesis that is widely accepted in a particular field but has not been definitively proven.

Overall, putative implies a greater degree of acceptance or credibility than purported, but it still acknowledges the possibility of doubt or uncertainty.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, the correct usage of words can make a significant impact on the overall message that you are trying to convey. Two words that are often confused are purported and putative. Although they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that can affect the context of the sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use Purported In A Sentence

The word purported is an adjective that means to claim or allege. It is often used to describe something that is said to be true but has not been proven. When using purported in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the claim is not yet verified. Here are some examples:

• The purported cure for the common cold has yet to be proven.
• The company’s purported profits were found to be inflated.
• The purported sighting of a UFO was dismissed as a hoax.

As you can see from these examples, the word purported is used to describe something that is claimed to be true, but there is no proof to support the claim.

How To Use Putative In A Sentence

The word putative is also an adjective, but it has a slightly different meaning than purported. Putative means to be generally considered or accepted as true, but not necessarily proven. It is often used to describe something that is assumed to be true based on common knowledge or belief. Here are some examples:

• The putative leader of the organization was arrested for fraud.
• The putative cause of the disease is still under investigation.
• The putative father of the child was determined through DNA testing.

As you can see from these examples, the word putative is used to describe something that is generally accepted as true, but there may not be concrete evidence to support it.

By understanding the differences between purported and putative, you can use them correctly in your writing to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Purported & Putative Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “purported” and “putative” can be used in sentences. These examples will help to further illustrate the differences between the two words and how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Purported In A Sentence

• The purported purpose of the meeting was to discuss the budget, but it quickly turned into a heated debate.
• The purported leader of the group was arrested and charged with several crimes.
• There is a purported link between the use of cell phones and an increased risk of cancer.
• The purported benefits of the new diet are still being studied.
• Many people believe that the purported benefits of the new drug are exaggerated.
• The purported evidence against the defendant was circumstantial and inconclusive.
• The purported author of the book has been accused of plagiarism.
• The purported victim of the crime has refused to testify in court.
• The purported solution to the problem was deemed impractical by the experts.
• The purported heir to the throne has been living in exile for many years.

Examples Of Using Putative In A Sentence

• The putative father of the child has refused to take a paternity test.
• The putative cause of the disease is still unknown.
• The putative leader of the terrorist group was killed in a drone strike.
• The putative benefits of the new technology are still being evaluated.
• The putative solution to the problem was met with skepticism by the experts.
• The putative author of the manuscript has not been identified.
• The putative victim of the crime has not yet been located.
• The putative heir to the fortune has been involved in a legal battle with his siblings.
• The putative value of the company’s stock has been steadily declining.
• The putative champion of the tournament was disqualified for cheating.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “purported” and “putative,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another.

Using “Purported” Incorrectly

One common mistake is using “purported” to mean “supposed” or “alleged” without providing evidence to support the claim. For example, saying “the purported benefits of this product are numerous” without providing any evidence to support those benefits is incorrect usage.

Another mistake is using “purported” to mean “known” or “confirmed,” which is also incorrect. For example, saying “the purported location of the event is downtown” when the location is already confirmed is incorrect usage.

Using “Putative” Incorrectly

Similarly, people often use “putative” to mean “supposed” or “alleged” without providing evidence to support the claim. For example, saying “the putative leader of the group is John” without providing any evidence to support John’s leadership is incorrect usage.

Another mistake is using “putative” to mean “potential” or “possible,” which is also incorrect. For example, saying “the putative candidate for the job is highly qualified” when the candidate has not yet been confirmed is incorrect usage.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Always provide evidence to support the use of “purported” or “putative.”
• Double-check the definitions of these words before using them.
• If in doubt, use a different word that accurately conveys the intended meaning.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “purported” and “putative,” context is key. Both words refer to things that are believed to be true but are not necessarily proven or confirmed. However, the nuances of their meanings can change depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between “purported” and “putative” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Legal	The defendant’s purported alibi was quickly debunked by the prosecution.	“Purported” is appropriate here because it implies that the alibi was presented as true but was later proven false.
Scientific	The putative cause of the disease is still under investigation.	“Putative” is appropriate here because it implies that the cause is believed to be true but has not yet been confirmed.
Journalistic	The article made several purported claims about the candidate’s past.	“Purported” is appropriate here because it implies that the claims are being presented as true but may not be verified.

As these examples show, the choice between “purported” and “putative” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the connotations of each word and choose the one that best fits the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

Although the use of purported and putative follows certain rules, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. Below are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Legal Terminology

Legal terminology has its own set of rules, and the use of purported and putative is no exception. In legal contexts, the term “purported” is often used as a synonym for “alleged,” whereas “putative” is used to refer to a person or thing that is assumed to be something, but whose status is not yet confirmed. For example:

• The purported thief was caught on camera stealing the jewelry.
• The putative father of the child has not yet been confirmed by DNA testing.

2. Colloquial Usage

While the rules for using purported and putative are well-established in formal writing, their usage in colloquial language is less strict. In everyday conversation, people often use these terms interchangeably without adhering to the specific rules. For example:

• She is the purported expert on the topic, but I don’t think she really knows what she’s talking about.
• The putative leader of the group has not yet been identified.

3. Regional Differences

There may be some regional differences in the use of purported and putative. In some parts of the world, one term may be more commonly used than the other, or they may have slightly different connotations. For example, in British English, “purported” is often used to mean “supposed” or “claimed,” whereas “putative” is used to mean “potential” or “probable.”

Country	Purported	Putative
United States	Alleged	Assumed
United Kingdom	Supposed	Potential
Australia	Claimed	Presumed

It is important to be aware of these exceptions to the rules when using purported and putative in your writing or speech. By understanding the nuances of their usage, you can ensure that your communication is clear and effective.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between purported and putative, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The ___________ leader of the organization was arrested for embezzlement.
2. Despite the ___________ evidence, the defendant was found not guilty.
3. The ___________ heir to the throne was announced at the royal ceremony.

Answer key:

1. Putative
2. Purported
3. Putative

Exercise 2

Fill in the blank with either purported or putative:

1. The ___________ cause of the accident is still under investigation.
2. The ___________ benefits of the new treatment have yet to be proven.
3. The ___________ leader of the group was praised for his bravery.
4. Many people believe the ___________ benefits of the product are exaggerated.

Answer key:

1. Putative
2. Purported
3. Putative
4. Purported

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use purported and putative correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between purported and putative, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Purported refers to something that is claimed or rumored, while putative refers to something that is assumed or believed to be true without conclusive evidence.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication in both written and spoken language. By understanding the nuances of these words, writers and speakers can convey their intended meaning more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Purported means claimed or rumored, while putative means assumed or believed to be true without conclusive evidence.
• These words should not be used interchangeably.
• Using these words correctly can help avoid confusion and miscommunication in language.

Overall, the English language is complex and constantly evolving. It is important to continue learning and improving our grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate our ideas and thoughts to others.

So, keep exploring and expanding your language skills to become a better communicator!