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 ambiguity may be purposeful to give the Chinese side flexibility during negotiations with the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After the Sherman Antitrust Act, purposeful monopoly became formally illegal but remained difficult to enforce.

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How do we fund longer lives and keep them purposeful?

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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."

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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