Words / C1

p-uh-PORT/pəˈpɔːt/

To purport is to claim to be or to mean something, often when this is doubtful: purport that a slogan is a cap, purport to certify. Claim (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a slogan is not a certificate.

Meaning

To claim to be or to mean something, often when this is doubtful (from claim, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Do not purport that a slogan is an occupancy cap; cite the certificate.”
• “Claim is already in this course. Allege is already in this course. A slogan is comms. A number on a certificate is the rule. Cite the number; then keep the slogan if the cap still holds.”

Good to know

Claim to be, often without proof. Everyday: claim (already in the dictionary). A slogan ≠ a cap.

Near in meaning

claim, profess, allege

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