purposely
Americanadverb
-
intentionally; deliberately.
He tripped me purposely.
-
with the particular purpose specified; expressly.
I wore that suit purposely to make a good impression.
adverb
Usage
What does purposely mean? Purposely is used to describe an action done intentionally, deliberately, or for a specific reason. The word purposefully means in a determined way or in a way that’s full of purpose. It should not be used to mean intentionally or deliberately. Example: I show up late to parties purposely so I’m not the first one there.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of purposely
Compare meaning
How does purposely compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Purposely tinkering with Earth’s atmosphere to fix climate change is likely to create cascading new problems, said University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver, who wasn’t part of the study.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024
Purposely rough around the edges and more than a little melodramatic, it compensates with exuberant energy and a large, uniformly endearing cast.
From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2019
"Purposely never going there in response to that sad attempt."
From Fox News • May 8, 2019
Purposely clipping and tumbling over an opposing player's foot is one thing; drawing contact when you're flat out before allowing yourself to go down quite another.
From The Guardian • Oct. 8, 2012
Purposely he was trying to draw the other man out—and for her benefit.
From The Dominant Dollar by Ralph, Lester
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.
