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.
"We've had people purposely come out of their way to try and support us - even if they've had to come on foot," he said.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
After Lam’s accomplices purposely used incorrect credentials to access the man’s Google account, the investor got a security alert, Jonathan Stratton, an assistant U.S. attorney, said at Lam’s bail hearing.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026
Some ships purposely spoof their own signals to hide from Iran.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 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
My hair was hopeless, so I did my best to make it appear purposely messy.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
