comport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/FormalFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “comport” mean?
To conduct or behave oneself in a particular manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To conduct or behave oneself in a particular manner; (of things) to be in accordance with or suit something.
To carry or hold oneself in a dignified, appropriate, or specified way. Also, for a fact, idea, or style to be harmonious or consistent with something else.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties but is rare in everyday speech. Slightly more likely to be encountered in formal American administrative or legal contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality, propriety, and deliberate action in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both; perhaps marginally higher in formal American English.
Grammar
How to Use “comport” in a Sentence
[sb] comport oneself ADV[sth] comport with [sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He comported himself admirably during the lengthy inquest.
- The witness's statement did not comport with the CCTV footage.
American English
- The diplomat comported herself with great professionalism.
- Their findings comport with our initial hypothesis.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The company's actions must comport with its stated ethical policies.'
Academic
Used in legal, philosophical, or historical texts discussing behaviour or consistency.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in legal contexts (e.g., 'evidence that does not comport with the testimony').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comport”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'his comport was good').
- Using it without 'with' for the non-reflexive sense (e.g., 'This comports the data' instead of 'comports with').
- Confusing spelling with 'comfort'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word most often found in legal, diplomatic, or literary contexts.
'Comport' is far more formal and often implies a judgement about the suitability or dignity of the behaviour. 'Behave' is neutral and common.
Very rarely. Its standard valency patterns are reflexive ('comport oneself') or followed by 'with' ('comport with'). Using it otherwise is atypical.
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from Latin 'comportare' (to bring together) and share the core idea of things being in agreement or fitting together.
To conduct or behave oneself in a particular manner.
Comport is usually formal, literary in register.
Comport: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “comport oneself with dignity/grace”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COMmanding PORTfolio requires you to COMPORT yourself professionally. Or, your CONduct must be a good PORT in a storm.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEHAVIOUR IS ALIGNMENT / BEHAVIOUR IS A HARMONIOUS FIT.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'comport' used correctly?