formal
: the main or general meaning of something (such as a speech or a person's actions)
the purport of the book/visit
The letter was not read aloud, but all present were informed of its purport.
purports; purported; purporting
: to claim to be or do a particular thing when this claim may not be true
—followed by to + verb
The report purports to be objective. [=it claims to be objective, but it may not be]
The program purports to meet the needs of gifted students.
The survey does not purport to be conclusive.
Cite this Entry
“Purport.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/purport. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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