putative

[ pyoo-tuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. commonly regarded as such; reputed; supposed:

   the putative boss of the mob.

putative

/ ˈpjuːtətɪv /

adjective

1. prenominal commonly regarded as being

   the putative father

2. prenominal considered to exist or have existed; inferred
3. grammar denoting a mood of the verb in some languages used when the speaker does not have direct evidence of what he is asserting, but has inferred it on the basis of something else

Derived Forms

• ˈputatively, adverb

Other Words From

• puta·tive·ly adverb
• un·puta·tive adjective
• un·puta·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of putative¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Late Latin putātīvus “considered, reckoned, reputed,” equivalent to putāt(us) (past participle of putāre “to think, consider, reckon,” originally “to prune (trees), clean (wool)” + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of putative¹

C15: from Late Latin putātīvus supposed, from Latin putāre to consider

Example Sentences

Whatever the putative rationale, there are only two ways to extract even $10 billion in savings from Medicaid: Strip benefits from the program, or throw enrollees out.

From Los Angeles Times

The putative “cuddle hormone,” oxytocin, has been found to not only facilitate group bonding but also, as a result, make killing those in enemy groups less troubling.

From Salon

In a putative class-action lawsuit filed in June in Los Angeles County Superior Court, former Watermark employee James Bibeau accused the company of failing to pay overtime for at least four years.

From Los Angeles Times

As leader of Harris’ home state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom had the honor of announcing the last votes of the evening and singing the praises of his longtime ally and putative rival.

From Los Angeles Times

This proposal generated cavils in the chattering classes that it would drive home prices up to absorb the $25,000 grant, putatively keeping homes out of the reach of the beneficiaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• presumed
• presumptive
• reputed
• supposed