purports

Purport is a term that functions as both a verb and a noun in English. As a verb, to purport means to appear to be or to claim to be, often without asserting certainty. It can also mean to intend or to have as a purpose in some contexts. As a noun, purport refers to the general meaning or intended significance of something, such as the gist of a statement or the apparent purpose of a document.

In usage, purport is used to describe statements or texts that claim a certain meaning or effect, while not guaranteeing their truth. The adjective purported is common, meaning claimed or alleged. For example, “The letter purports to be from the agency,” or “The plan’s purport is to reform the process.”

In legal and formal writing, purport is often used to indicate the claimed legal effect of a document. Phrases like “the deed purports to transfer title” or “the agreement purports to grant rights” signal the asserted, but potentially unproven, content. The term “purported” is frequently employed to hedge assertions and to reflect doubt about authenticity or accuracy.

Etymology: The word derives from Middle English purporten, from Old French purporter, with the sense of presenting or carrying forward a claim or message.