First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
putative
adjective pu·ta·tive \ˈpyü-tə-tiv\
: generally believed to be something
Full Definition of PUTATIVE
1
: commonly accepted or supposed
See putative defined for English-language learners
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Examples of PUTATIVE
- This has always been a nation willing to sell out its past for putative progress. —Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 3 June 2002
- The putative champions of liberty took up the cry of dissent only after it had become profitable and safe … —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, June 2000
- Back in Hollywood in a few weeks, I was discouraged to find yet another putative director wandering about in the Cowan offices, also unpaid. —Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
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Origin of PUTATIVE
Middle English, from Late Latin putativus, from Latin putatus, past participle of putare to think
Related to PUTATIVE
- Synonyms
- assumed, evident, ostensible, ostensive, presumed, prima facie, apparent, reputed, seeming, supposed
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