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 …

PUTATIVE definition: commonly regarded as such; reputed; supposed. See examples of putative used in a sentence.

PUTATIVE definition: 1. generally thought to be or to exist, even if this may not really be true: 2. generally thought…. Learn more.

Generally regarded as such; supposed: a foundling's putative parents. [Middle English, from Old French putatif, from Late Latin putātīvus, from Latin putāre, to prune, think; see pau- in Indo-European roots.]

If you describe someone or something as putative, you mean that they are generally thought to be the thing mentioned.

Definition of putative adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jan 20, 2026 · We mistakenly identify the reasoning that we employ in order to show that a putative judgement is grounded, with what makes for the difference between its being a judgement rather …