# purportedly

/pɝˈpɔɹtɪdˌɫi/ (US) · /pɜːpˈɔːtɪdli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/purportedly
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

according to what people say or what is claimed to be true. You use this when you want to say something is true, but you are not 100% sure.

For teachers: according to what is claimed or reported to be the case. Often used to introduce a statement that is accepted as a premise without being proven.

## Examples

- The book was purportedly written by the famous author.
- The report was purportedly based on secret government documents, though no evidence was ever released to the public.
- The suspect was purportedly seen leaving the scene of the crime, though the witness's identification was later challenged by the defense attorney.

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