Purported

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Pronunciation: /pəɹˈpɔɹ.tɪd/

Definitions

1. Claimed to have a particular identity or quality, although the truth remains uncertain
2. Presented or described as genuine, yet potentially lacking evidence to support such assertions
3. Described as something believed to be true but without definite proof

Etymology: "Purported" is the past participle and adjective of "purport," a verb that entered English from Anglo-French "purporter," meaning to convey or carry forward. Its original sense was to express or convey a meaning, as in a document that purports to say something. Over time the sense shifted from what a text states to what something claims to be, and "purported" came to describe things said to be true without being shown to be so. The "pur-" element comes from Old French "porter" (to carry), so "purport" is literally "carry forth." The meaning of "purport" therefore moved from carrying a message to carrying a claim, which is why "purported" now signals doubt: the thing is being presented, but its truth is left open.

Synonyms: alleged, supposed, claimed, ostensible, professed

Antonyms: proven, confirmed