purposive

[ pur-puh-siv ]

adjective

1. having, showing, or acting with a purpose, intention, or design.
2. adapted to a purpose or end.
3. serving some purpose.
4. determined; resolute.
5. of or characteristic of purpose.

purposive

/ ˈpɜːpəsɪv /

adjective

1. relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention
2. serving a purpose; useful

Derived Forms

• ˈpurposiveness, noun
• ˈpurposively, adverb

Other Words From

• purpos·ive·ly adverb
• purpos·ive·ness noun
• non·purpos·ive adjective
• non·purpos·ive·ly adverb
• non·purpos·ive·ness noun
• pre·purpos·ive adjective
• semi·purpos·ive adjective
• semi·purpos·ive·ly adverb
• semi·purpos·ive·ness noun
• un·purpos·ive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purposive¹

First recorded in 1850–55; purpose + -ive

Example Sentences

The Conservative Party had "been through a volcanic period of turmoil" and "has not looked like a party of unified commitment to purposive renewable," Mr Freeman said.

From BBC

With her caring but purposively unmoored essays, she has done just this.

From Washington Post

Its founders chose, at the moment of inception, to be intellectually dishonest — which, I would further argue, is in keeping with their purposively constipated "originalist/textualist" approach.

From Salon

Aristotle thought about the natural world in exactly the same way: that is to say, he saw it as the product of rational, purposive activity.

From Literature

Circulating through this purposive material stockpile is the only way to experience an art built entirely on double takes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• advantageous
• appropriate
• convenient
• effective
• favorable
• fruitful
• good
• handy
• helpful
• practical
• pragmatic
• profitable
• proper
• suitable