purposefully

[ pur-puhs-fuh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a determined or resolute way:

   Many runners break down in the marathon’s second half, but I stayed positive as I painfully and purposefully placed one foot in front of the other.

2. in a thoughtful and focused way, with a serious desire to accomplish something:

   The Family Fun Cooking Classes are designed to educate, but more importantly, to encourage adults in our community to purposefully spend time with young people.

3. with intention; deliberately; purposely:

   He maliciously and purposefully slammed the car door on my foot, resulting in a fracture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of purposefully¹

purposeful ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Models purposefully walked down the runway in flowing suits of crushed velvet and satin, matching leather mini-shorts and jackets, sequined hot pants and tank top sets in yellow smiley graphics and graffiti print.

From Los Angeles Times

In interviews Stone and Parker have spoken of how carefully and purposefully they integrated him into the show.

From BBC

The former British Army soldier accused of spying for Iran and escaping from prison has told a court he agreed to travel to the Middle Eastern country but "purposefully sabotaged the operation".

From BBC

He purposefully turned down numerous romantic leads, not wanting to be typecast.

From Los Angeles Times

She also played a double-crossing hotel detective inspector as well as a member of a wedding party singing purposefully off key lyrics, inspired by “Espresso,” to expose bad behavior at the bachelorette party.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• actively
• boldly
• eagerly
• earnestly
• firmly
• forcefully
• healthily
• passionately
• quickly
• resolutely
• robustly
• sincerely
• strenuously
• wholeheartedly
• zealously