Advertisement
Advertisement
purpose
[ pur-puhs ]
noun
- the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
Synonyms: , , , ,
- determination; resoluteness.
- the subject in hand; the point at issue.
- practical result, effect, or advantage:
to act to good purpose.
verb (used with object)
- to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
- to intend; design.
Synonyms: , ,
- to resolve (to do something):
He purposed to change his way of life radically.
verb (used without object)
- to have a purpose.
purpose
/ ˈɜːə /
noun
- the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
- a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort
- fixed intention in doing something; determination
a man of purpose
- practical advantage or use
to work to good purpose
- that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose )
- archaic.purport
- on purposeintentionally
verb
- to intend or determine to do (something)
Other Word Forms
- ·ܰpDz verb (used with object) prepurposed prepurposing
- ·ܰpDz verb (used with object) repurposed repurposing
- ܲ·ܰpDz adjective
- ܲ·ܰpDz·Բ adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of purpose1
Idioms and Phrases
- on purpose, by design; intentionally:
How could you do such a thing on purpose?
- to the purpose, relevant; to the point:
Her objections were not to the purpose.
More idioms and phrases containing purpose
see at cross purposes ; for all intents and purposes ; on purpose ; serve a purpose ; to good purpose ; to little or no purpose .Synonym Study
Example Sentences
"You had so many qualities that could have been put to good, but you used every single one for evil purposes," Mr Harvey said in court, addressing Burrows.
The Duchess of Sussex used the title HRH on a card sent with a personal gift but not for any public purpose, sources close to her have said.
“In addition, the reports state that drug testing results should be used for clinical purposes only.”
“Due to her professional responsibilities, she was categorized as an executive for FEC filing purposes,” her office said.
At the same time, the Supreme Court ruling means she is defined as a man for the purposes of the Equality Act.
Advertisement
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse