What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purport
Example
The article's purport was to highlight the importance of mental health. [purport: noun]
Example
The email seemed to purport that the meeting was canceled. [purport: verb]
meaning
Example
What is the meaning of this word? [meaning: noun]
Example
I think you misunderstood the meaning of my message. [meaning: noun]
Example
Her actions had a deeper meaning that I couldn't understand at the time. [meaning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meaning is more commonly used than purport in everyday language. Meaning is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while purport is less common and often used in more formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purport and meaning?
Purport is typically associated with a more formal tone, while meaning is versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.