purport(verb / noun)To claim or appear to be something, often with implied doubt about the claim's validity. As a noun: the intended meaning or purpose of a document.
"The document purports to be a legally binding agreement, though our legal team has reservations."
ostensibly(adverb)Apparently or seemingly, but possibly not actually so; used to signal that the stated reason may not be the real one.
"The meeting was ostensibly about budget allocation, but the underlying agenda concerned restructuring."
contingent(adjective)Dependent on something uncertain or conditional; subject to a particular circumstance arising.
"Our decision is contingent on receiving satisfactory due diligence reports by the end of the month."
provisional(adjective)Arranged for the present time only, or subject to later confirmation or revision.
"This is a provisional agreement and remains subject to board ratification."
reservation(noun)A doubt or concern about something; a qualification attached to an agreement or statement.
"We have significant reservations about the proposed timeline and would like to discuss them further."
equivocal(adjective)Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous, and often deliberately so.
"His response was equivocal — it could be read as agreement or as a polite refusal."
tenuous(adjective)Very weak or thin; lacking substance or credibility.
"The connection between the two clauses is tenuous and would not withstand legal scrutiny."
predicated on(phrase)Based on or dependent on a particular assumption or condition being true.
"The entire proposal is predicated on the assumption that demand will remain stable."
caveat(verb)To add a warning or qualification to a statement or agreement. Note: used as a verb at C1 level.
"I would caveat this recommendation by noting that the data set is limited."
without prejudice to(phrase)Without adversely affecting a right or claim; used to signal that a concession does not set a precedent.
"We make this offer without prejudice to our right to pursue the matter further if required."
notwithstanding(preposition / adjective)Despite; in spite of. At C1 level, used as a preposition to qualify a statement.
"Notwithstanding our earlier concerns, we are prepared to proceed on the terms discussed."
predisposition(noun)A tendency to think, behave, or respond in a particular way; an inclination.
"There appears to be a predisposition within the committee to favour the more conservative option."
It would appear thatdistancingUsed to present a conclusion tentatively, signalling that the writer is not entirely certain or wishes to avoid direct assertion.
"It would appear that the original agreement was signed under conditions that have since changed materially."
It is our understanding thatqualifyingUsed to present what the writer believes to be true, while acknowledging that their information may be incomplete or subject to correction.
"It is our understanding that the payment was due on the 15th; however, we are happy to clarify if there has been a miscommunication."
We are not in a position todeclining formallyA formal and distanced way of saying that something is not possible, without giving a direct refusal.
"We are not in a position to release the funds until the outstanding documentation has been received."
Subject to further review,provisionalUsed to signal that a statement or decision may change once additional information has been considered.
"Subject to further review, we anticipate that the report will be ready by the end of the quarter."
This remains to be determined.deferringA formal way of stating that a matter has not yet been resolved and that a decision or outcome is still pending.
"Whether the revised terms are acceptable to all parties this remains to be determined."