purport

²pur·port

verb \(ˌ)pər-ˈpȯrt\

Definition of PURPORT

transitive verb

1

: to have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming (something implied or inferred) <a book that purports to be an objective analysis>; also : claim <foreign novels which he purports to have translated — Mary McCarthy>

2

: intend, purpose

Examples of PURPORT

1. <do you purport to spend the rest of your life on that couch, or do you think you might get a job someday?>
2. <he purports to be an expert in criminalistics>

First Known Use of PURPORT

15th century

Related to PURPORT

Synonyms: aim, allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern & Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, intend, purpose

Antonyms: deny, gainsay

Related Words: dream, hope, wish; consider, debate, mull (over), ponder; attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try; plot, scheme; accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

Near Antonyms: abandon; disavow, disclaim, disown, negate, negative, reject, repudiate; challenge, dispute, question; confute, disprove, rebut, refute; contradict, counter

see all synonyms and antonyms

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