Putative

usgb/ˈpjuːtətɪv/
adjective

Thought or believed to be the case or so.

The putative leader of the gang was arrested last night.
Visual representation of "putative" - Thought or believed to be the case or so

Often appears as...

  • putative father
  • putative author

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "putative"
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Implied Uncertainty

Use 'putative' to express that something is assumed but not proven or confirmed.

Illustration for Implied Uncertainty
He was the putative inventor, despite the lack of patents.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Academic Tone

'Putative' adds a formal tone and is often used in scholarly texts or discussions.

Illustration for Academic Tone
The study focuses on the putative benefits of the new drug.
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Collocation Patterns

Pair 'putative' with nouns relating to people or causes to imply their apparent role or effect.

Illustration for Collocation Patterns
She is the putative author of the controversial article.
Visual representation of the word "Putative"

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