putative

adjective

pu·​ta·​tive ˈpyü-tə-tiv 

1

: commonly accepted or supposed

2

: assumed to exist or to have existed

putatively adverb

Did you know?

There's no need to make assumptions about the root behind putative; scholars are quite certain the word comes from Latin putatus, the past participle of the verb putare, which means "to consider" or "to think." Putative has been part of English since the 15th century, and it often shows up in legal contexts. For instance, a "putative marriage" is one that is believed to be legal by at least one of the parties involved. When that trusting person finds out that their marriage is not sanctioned by law, other putare derivatives—such as dispute, reputed, imputation, and deputy—may come into play.

Did you know?

Putative: Always Before a Noun

Putative is almost always used in front of a noun, the modified noun being that which is assumed or supposed to be. The putative cause of a death, for example, is the one widely believed to have caused it, even when it hasn't been proven or made certain. However, one does not say "the cause was putative."

Synonyms

• apparent
• assumed
• evident
• ostensible
• ostensive
• presumed
• prima facie
• reputed
• seeming
• supposed

Examples of putative in a Sentence

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

the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather, Palestinians need to establish their new institutions within the framework of the putative state of Palestine, as the unified address for their nationhood and agency, while relieving the misery in Gaza. —Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025

The jury is additionally set to decide Friday on any putative damages CNN must pay. —Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Jan. 2025

Jefferson and his putative running mate, Aaron Burr, each bested their Federalist rivals, Adams and his vice presidential pick, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, but Jefferson and Burr were tied in electoral votes. —Karin Wulf / Made By History, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

The jury is also set to decide Friday afternoon on putative damages CNN must pay Young. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin putativus, from Latin putatus, past participle of putare to think

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Legal Definition

putative

adjective

pu·​ta·​tive ˈpyü-tə-tiv 

: thought, assumed, or alleged to be such or to exist

the child's putative father

ignorantly entered into a putative marriage before the divorce from a previous spouse was final

putatively adverb