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.
Gray said Good may not have been purposely trying to run over the agent.
From BBC
Buffett has said he purposely purchases companies that are so self-sufficient that they can thrive regardless of who is at Berkshire’s helm.
When you do that as a purposely abrasive young comic, it’s one thing.
Chaperoning calls between bankers and analysts was purposely intrusive.
Later that afternoon, their most visible player joined the streamers in their vehicle and traveled to a club, where he claimed that referees purposely made egregious calls because they wanted TV airtime.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
