purportedly
UK: pəˈpɔːtɪdli | US: pərˈpɔːrtɪdli
adv. claimed or stated to be true, but without proof
adv. allegedly; by repute
The word "purportedly" derives from the verb "purport," which entered English in the late 15th century from Anglo-French "purporter" (to convey, imply) and Latin "portare" (to carry). The suffix "-edly" combines "-ed" (indicating past participle) and "-ly" (forming adverbs), creating an adverbial form meaning "in a claimed or alleged manner." The morpheme "pur-" (thoroughly) intensifies "port" (carry), originally suggesting "to carry forward as a meaning." Over time, it evolved to imply assertions without verification.
The document was purportedly signed by the CEO, but doubts arose about its authenticity.
The artifact is purportedly from the Ming Dynasty, though experts remain skeptical.
He purportedly donated millions to charity, but no records confirm this.
The study purportedly proves the theory, but its methodology is flawed.
The email purportedly contained evidence, but it was later deemed a forgery.