purport-v; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: PURPORT TO: Have the often false appearance of being, intending (to), or claiming (to).

Commentary:
NOTE: Has to do with appearance of intent or being, not actual intent or being.

Examples:
She is not the person she purports to be.
The letter purports to express people's opinion, but in fact echoes
government rhetoric.
The content of nonprescription capsules purported to contain
dehydroepiandrosterone was analyzed.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: purport.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: Propose or intend.

Commentary: INCLUDES: PURPORT TO
NOTE: Compare to Sense 1: Sense 2 does not imply doubt or falsity.

Examples:
Her letter may purport her forthcoming arrival.
It is important to note that the premises of an argument purport to support the conclusion of the argument.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2