purpose

American  

[pur-puhs] / ˈpɜr pəs /

noun

purposes plural

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.

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verb (used with object)

purposed, purposing

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)

purposed, purposing

1. to have a purpose.

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.

purpose British  

/ 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. intentionally

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verb

1. to intend or determine to do (something)

purpose More Idioms  

1. see at cross purposes; for all intents and purposes; on purpose; serve a purpose; to good purpose; to little or no purpose.

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Synonym Usage

See intention.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unpurposed
  adjective
• unpurposing
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• purposes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of purpose

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

Explanation

When you do something with purpose, you do it with determination. When your activities have a purpose, you have an aim or intention in mind. This noun also has a third meaning: "function, role, or use." The purpose of a fork, for instance, is to spear and scoop food from your plate, not to poke your little brother at the dinner table. Purpose can also be used as a verb meaning "to reach a decision" or "to intend," though these uses of the word are quite a bit less frequent nowadays.

Example Sentences

That dual purpose could now mean a disconnect has developed between silver’s traded value and its importance as a critical material.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

Supporters say Wales' electricity grid is not fit for purpose, holding back renewable energy schemes and the roll-out of low carbon technologies such as electric cars and heat pumps.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026

Years later, when “SNL” developed its opening monologue, it served a similar purpose.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

Whether it actually comes is another story, but in this one, the promise itself gave her a sense of purpose.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2026

But holding hands … on purpose … is another ball game entirely.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• ambition
• aspiration
• desire
• determination
• direction
• function
• goal
• idea
• intent
• objective
• plan
• principle
• project
• reason
• scheme
• scope
• view
• wish