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
- unpurposely adverb
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.
Lee purposely didn’t want to set any major showdown on a golf green.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
In fact, the central drama of “Brassroots District” is often kicked off by an attendee finding some purposely left-behind props that allude to the group’s record label drama.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026
The plaintiffs allege that the platforms are negligent and purposely designed to be harmful, echoing a strategy successfully used against the tobacco industry.
From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026
"Whether that was done purposely or not, I don't know, but it was really clever."
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026
Cole sniffled purposely, rubbing at his nose for effect.
From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen
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.
