What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purport
Example
The article purports to provide an in-depth analysis of the issue. [purports: verb]
Example
The purport of the speech was to inspire the audience to take action. [purport: noun]
pretend
Example
He pretended to be sick so he could skip school. [pretended: verb]
Example
She put on a brave face and pretended everything was okay. [pretended: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretend is more commonly used than purport in everyday language. Pretend is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while purport is less common and refers to a specific meaning or message behind something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purport and pretend?
Purport is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, while pretend is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
