What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purported
Example
The purported benefits of this new diet plan have not been scientifically proven. [purported: adjective]
Example
The article discusses the purported sighting of a UFO in the area. [purported: adjective]
ostensible
Example
The ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss the budget, but it quickly turned into a debate about office politics. [ostensible: adjective]
Example
The company's ostensible commitment to sustainability was called into question after reports of environmental violations. [ostensible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ostensible is more commonly used than purported in everyday language. Ostensible is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while purported is less common and is often used in legal or journalistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purported and ostensible?
Both purported and ostensible are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic settings. However, purported may be considered more informal due to its negative connotation.
