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)

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.

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. intentionally

verb

1. to intend or determine to do (something)

Other Word Forms

• prepurpose verb (used with object)
• repurpose verb (used with object)
• unpurposed adjective
• unpurposing 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.

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

They also said the president's direct and indirect influence over the Higher Committee and the electoral colleges rendered the elections "symbolic at best, devoid of their democratic purpose of ensuring representation and accountability".

From BBC

Many, inside and outside Israel, have accused Netanyahu of sabotaging previous efforts to prolong the war for political purposes.

From BBC

A deeply religious man — he has “Only God Can Judge Me” sternly tattooed across his back — Jem is on a mission whose purpose will only slowly be revealed.

From Los Angeles Times

But they cautioned that the online tool is for “exploratory purposes only” — and that a binding eligibility map will eventually be published by the Southern California Assn. of Governments.

From Los Angeles Times

A San Francisco street ambassador whose purpose was to aid those battling homelessness and drug abuse was shot and killed allegedly by someone he was trying to steer in another direction.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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