What is the meaning of putative?

"Putative" means believed or assumed to be true, but not definitely known or proven. It's often used to describe something that is generally accepted as true, but may not be confirmed.

Here are some examples:

* Putative father: The man believed to be the father of a child, but not officially proven through paternity testing.

* Putative cause: The reason that is believed to be responsible for an event, but not yet confirmed.

* Putative treaty: A treaty that is believed to be in effect, but not yet formally ratified by all involved parties.

Key points to remember about "putative":

* It implies uncertainty or lack of definitive proof.

* It suggests that something is likely true, but not guaranteed.

* It is often used in legal and scientific contexts, but can also be used in everyday language.

You can often replace "putative" with words like:

* Alleged

* Presumed

* Supposed

* Possible

* Likely

The specific meaning of "putative" may vary slightly depending on the context. It's important to consider the entire sentence or passage to understand its exact meaning.