# putative

/ˈpjutətɪv/ (US) · /pjˈuːtətˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

something that is believed to be true or real, but has not yet been proven. You use this to describe a person or thing that is a candidate for a specific role or title.

For teachers: believed to be or likely to be, but not yet proven or established. Often used to describe a person who is a candidate for a position or a relationship that is not yet legally recognized.

## Examples

- The putative winner of the race was disqualified.
- The putative father of the child was identified through a DNA test after the mother's husband died.
- The putative heir to the throne spent years in exile, waiting for the current monarch to pass away before he could claim his rightful place on the throne.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.