purposive

[ pur-puh-siv ]

adjective

1. having, showing, or acting with a purpose, intention, or design.
2. adapted to a purpose or end.
3. serving some purpose.
4. determined; resolute.
5. of or characteristic of purpose.

purposive

/ ˈpɜːpəsɪv /

adjective

1. relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention
2. serving a purpose; useful

Derived Forms

• ˈpurposively, adverb
• ˈpurposiveness, noun

Other Words From

• purpos·ive·ly adverb
• purpos·ive·ness noun
• non·purpos·ive adjective
• non·purpos·ive·ly adverb
• non·purpos·ive·ness noun
• pre·purpos·ive adjective
• semi·purpos·ive adjective
• semi·purpos·ive·ly adverb
• semi·purpos·ive·ness noun
• un·purpos·ive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purposive¹

First recorded in 1850–55; purpose + -ive

Example Sentences

We may have become nicer as individuals, but we’ve also become better at organizing and using purposive violence.

From Nautilus

Will these ill-effects disappear with the realisation of the modern efforts for a purposive and deliberate sexual enlightenment?

From Project Gutenberg

The first act is thus for us, the thinkers, not a part of the causal events, but a purposive intention towards an ideal.

From Project Gutenberg

And now this may be said at once: the causal view only is the view of psychology; the purposive view lies outside of psychology.

From Project Gutenberg

No doubt in our daily life, our purposive interest and our causal interest may intertwine at any moment.

From Project Gutenberg

The purposive view of inner life ought not to be in question when the patient enters the doctor's office.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advantageous
• appropriate
• convenient
• effective
• favorable
• fruitful
• good
• handy
• helpful
• practical
• pragmatic
• profitable
• proper
• suitable