purpose

[ pur-puhs ]

noun

1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

   Synonyms: target, objective, object, rationale, point

2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3. determination; resoluteness.
4. the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5. practical result, effect, or advantage:

   to act to good purpose.

verb (used with object)

, pur·posed, pur·pos·ing.

1. to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
2. to intend; design.

   Synonyms: plan, contemplate, mean

3. to resolve (to do something):

   He purposed to change his way of life radically.

verb (used without object)

, pur·posed, pur·pos·ing.

1. to have a purpose.

purpose

/ ˈpɜːpəs /

noun

1. the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
2. a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort
3. fixed intention in doing something; determination

   a man of purpose

4. practical advantage or use

   to work to good purpose

5. that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose )
6. archaic.
   purport
7. on purpose
   intentionally

verb

1. to intend or determine to do (something)

Other Words From

• pre·purpose verb (used with object) prepurposed prepurposing
• re·purpose verb (used with object) repurposed repurposing
• un·purposed adjective
• un·purpos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purpose¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (noun) Middle English purpos, from Old French, derivative of purposer, variant of proposer “to propose ”; (verb) Middle English purposen, from Anglo-French, Old French purposer

Word History and Origins

Origin of purpose¹

C13: from Old French porpos, from porposer to plan, from Latin prōpōnere to propose

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on purpose, by design; intentionally:

   How could you do such a thing on purpose?

2. 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

See intention.

Example Sentences

Prescribed burns in certain forests can help clear out forests to make them more suitable for turkey breeding and have been performed for this purpose by the U.S.

From Salon

Such properties cannot be sold or used for any other purpose - which implies that waqf properties belong to God.

From BBC

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the bill, saying the "status quo is not fit for purpose" and her proposals could prevent "very harrowing, very distressing deaths".

From BBC

Past research offers conflicting views: some suggest it enhances well-being by providing a sense of purpose, while others report declines due to emotional strain.

From Science Daily

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the government had inherited a recovery plan that was "not fit for purpose" and it would be developing further measures to improve access.

From BBC