purposeful

[pur-puhs-fuhl]

adjective

1. having a purpose.

2. determined; resolute.

3. full of meaning; significant.

purposeful

/ ˈpɜːpəsfʊl /

adjective

1. having a definite purpose in view

2. fixed in one's purpose; determined

Usage

Purposefully is sometimes wrongly used where purposely is meant: he had purposely (not purposefully ) left the door unlocked

Other Word Forms

• purposefully adverb
• purposefulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purposeful¹

First recorded in 1850–55; purpose + -ful

Example Sentences

The Guardian's Searle wrote about the drawings: "They are riotous and rhythmic, purposeful and compelling. There's no fudging. Kalu deserves to win this year's Turner Prize."

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And while he was once among the fastest players in the majors, he now moves at a purposeful saunter rather than a sprint.

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“I know that that’s not for me and I don’t know if it’s purposeful that it’s not for me — but I am curious — but I don’t think it’s done,” the star of “The Bear” says.

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It’s purposeful for Fellowes that the series and the films have addressed the ephemeral nature of life, something that’s also present in “The Grand Finale.”

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"The national campus would be a purposeful, collaborative space, a uniquely Welsh environment that other top-tier nations would find difficult to replicate," said Reddin.

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Related Words

• calculated 
• deliberate 
• determined 
• intense 
• persistent 
• resolute 
• strong-willed