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

They were etherealized through delicate pastels, and while Brundage created images to appeal to the male gaze, she also could portray women as purposeful agents rather than passive victims.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Bradley Cooper’s two previous efforts as director — “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro” — had the air of purposeful masterworks, looking to make bold, sweeping statements about life and art.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Encourage relationship-building by organizing purposeful activities that help teams and the groups that support them get to know each other better.

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Use turf grass to mark the space you’ll use for throwing Frisbees and having parties, but allow the rest of your land to do something more beautiful and purposeful.

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Yes, I was pragmatic, but I was also purposeful.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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