The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies. [+ of]
Various insurance schemes already exist for this purpose.
...the use of nuclear energy for military purposes.
He was asked about casualties, but said it would serve no purpose to count bodies.
Most of them are destroyed because they've served their purpose.
Synonyms: reason, point, idea, goal More Synonyms of purpose
2. countable noun [with poss]
Your purpose is the thing that you want to achieve.
They might well be prepared to do you harm in order to achieve their purpose.
His purpose was to make a profit by improving the company's performance.
Synonyms: aim, end, plan, hope More Synonyms of purpose
3. uncountable noun
Purpose is the feeling of having a definite aim and of being determined to achieve it.
The teachers are enthusiastic and have a sense of purpose.
Synonyms: determination, commitment, resolve, will More Synonyms of purpose
4. See also cross-purposes
5.
See for all practical purposes/to all intents and purposes
6.
See on purpose
More Synonyms of purpose
purpose in British English
(ˈpɜːpəs)
noun
1.
the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
2.
a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort
3.
fixed intention in doing something; determination
a woman of purpose
4.
practical advantage or use
to work to good purpose
5.
that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose)
6. archaic
purport
7. on purpose
verb(transitive)
8.
to intend or determine to do (something)
Word origin
C13: from Old French porpos, from porposer to plan, from Latin prōpōnere to propose
purpose in American English
(ˈpɜrpəs)
verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈpurposed or ˈpurposing
1.
to intend, resolve, or plan
noun
2.
something one intends to get or do; intention; aim
3.
resolution; determination
4.
the object for which something exists or is done; end in view
SIMILAR WORDS: inˈtend, inˈtention
Idioms:
of set purpose
on purpose
to good purpose
to little purpose
to the purpose
Word origin
ME purposen < OFr porposer, var. of proposer: see propose
COBUILD Collocations
purpose
charitable purposes
primary purpose
serve a purpose
sole purpose
the express purpose of
useful purpose
Examples of 'purpose' in a sentence
purpose
Was it intended to serve any purpose at all?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It offers you counselling and gives you a crime number for insurance purposes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They served a purpose while they could.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Facing death has given me an overwhelming desire to do something with more purpose and depth than my previous career.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We all want purpose in life.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But best of all, they give you such a strong sense of purpose.
The Sun (2017)
This was a performance of energy and purpose, taking the game to a country that have had it their own way for far too long.
The Sun (2016)
The muscles were exclusively for display purposes and were designed to invite conversation and, obviously, contact.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It may not always be obvious to whom this applies, for example, in circumstances where public bodies process data for purposes determined by another public body.
Computing (2010)
Its design and use vary according to which of these purposes it is intended to serve.
Tompkins, Jonathan Human Resource Management in Government (1995)
This prestigious award has served its purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There is a definite purpose for this.
Christianity Today (2000)
This is on purpose to make him look less dour.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Most of the interest and other expenses can be set against the rental income for tax purposes.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is often used for insurance purposes.
Harrison, John Finance for the Non-Financial Manager (1989)
The canvas was sometimes reused for more practical purposes.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
They have all been designed for different purposes.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
They see no purpose in funding something of no great interest to the better off.
The Sun (2006)
People are hungry for anything which gives their lives shape and sense of purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
To all intents and purposes it is a prison within a prison.
The Sun (2016)
The main purpose was to defend freedom of speech.
The Sun (2010)
Friends say that he used the bigger property for company entertainment purposes.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Something between those weights will hopefully serve your purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The government should do more to make the purpose of the tests clear.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
For insurance purposes the makers insisted a stuntman make the jump.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The borrower was then allowed to set those interest charges against his or her income for tax purposes.
Forrest, Ray & Murie, Alan & Williams, Peter Home-ownership - differentiation and fragmentation (1990)
For the intended purpose and at the price, a tidy little addition to your training accessories.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They were alone together in the chapel, to which her mother did not object when its purpose was explained to her.
Louisa May Alcott Little Women (1869)
In other languages
purpose
British English: purpose /ˈpɜːpəs/ NOUN
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
What is the purpose of your visit?
American English: purpose
Arabic: غَرَض
Brazilian Portuguese: propósito
Chinese: 目的
Croatian: svrha
Czech: účel
Danish: formål
Dutch: doel bedoeling
European Spanish: propósito
Finnish: tarkoitus
French: but
German: Zweck
Greek: σκοπός επιδίωξη
Italian: scopo
Japanese: 目的
Korean: 목적
Norwegian: formål
Polish: cel
European Portuguese: propósito
Romanian: scop
Russian: цель
Latin American Spanish: propósito
Swedish: syfte
Thai: วัตถุประสงค์
Turkish: amaç
Ukrainian: мета
Vietnamese: mục đích
All related terms of 'purpose'
all-purpose
You use all-purpose to refer to things that have lots of different uses or can be used in lots of different situations .
on purpose
If you do something on purpose , you do it intentionally.
cross-purpose
a contrary aim or purpose
dual-purpose
having or serving two functions
purpose-built
A purpose-built building has been specially designed and built for a particular use.
sole purpose
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
general-purpose
having a range of uses or applications ; not restricted to one function
primary purpose
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
useful purpose
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
of set purpose
with a specific end in view
to the purpose
relevant ; pertinent
all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is flour that does not make cakes and cookies rise when they are baked because it has no chemicals added to it.
serve a purpose
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
to good purpose
with a good result or effect; advantageously
to little purpose
with little (or no) result or effect; pointlessly
the express purpose of
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
Chinese translation of 'purpose'
purpose
(ˈpəːpəs)
n(c)
[of person]目的 (mùdì) (个(個), gè)
[of act, meeting, visit]意义(義) (yìyì) (个(個), gè)
a sense of purpose (in life) 意义(義)感 (yìyìgǎn) (in activity) 目标(標)感 (mùbiāogǎn)
for that purpose出于(於)那种(種)目的 (chū yú nàzhǒng mùdì)
for medicinal/propaganda etc purposes出于(於)医(醫)疗(療)/宣传(傳)等的目的 (chū yú yīliáo/xuānchuán děng de mùdì)
for all practical purposes, to all intents and purposes实(實)际(際)上 (shíjìshang)
to little/no purpose徒劳(勞)无(無)益的 (túláo wú yì de)
on purpose故意地 (gùyì de)
1 (noun)
Definition
the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
reason
There is a reason for every important thing that happens.
point
What's the point of all these questions?
idea
The idea is to help lower-income families to buy their homes.
goal
grounds
design
aim
basis
principle
the principles of quantum theory
function
The main function of merchant banks is to raise capital.
object
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
intention
objective
motive
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
motivation
justification
I knew there was no justification for what I was doing.
impetus
the why and wherefore
2 (noun)
Definition
a fixed design or idea that is the object of an action
They are prepared to go to any lengths to achieve their purpose.
Synonyms
aim
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
end
another policy designed to achieve the same end
plan
Her plan was to teach the children at home.
hope
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
view
goal
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
design
Is there some design in having him here?
project
a local development project
target
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
wish
Clearly she had no wish for his company.
scheme
a private pension scheme
desire
I had a strong desire to help and care for people.
object
intention
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
objective
His objective was to play golf and win.
ambition
My ambition is to sail round the world.
aspiration
the needs and aspirations of our pupils
Holy Grail (informal)
3 (noun)
Definition
determination
The teachers are enthusiastic and have a sense of purpose.
Synonyms
determination
They acted with great courage and determination.
commitment
resolve
He doesn't weaken in his resolve.
will
He lacked the will to confront her.
resolution
He implemented policy with resolution and single-mindedness.
initiative
He was disappointed by her lack of initiative.
enterprise
ambition
a mixture of ambition and ruthlessness
conviction
motivation
persistence
Skill comes only with practice, patience and persistence.
tenacity
Sheer tenacity is crucial to career success.
firmness
There was no denying his considerable firmness of purpose.
constancy
single-mindedness
steadfastness
4 (noun)
Definition
practical advantage or use
Talking about it will serve no purpose.
Synonyms
use
There's no use you asking me any more questions about that.
good
I'm only doing all this for your own good.
return
They have seen no return on their investment.
result
This is the result of eating too much fatty food.
effect
the psychological effects of head injuries
value
Studies are needed to see if these therapies have any value.
benefit
I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy.
profit
They saw little profit in risking their lives to capture the militants.
worth
The client has little means of judging the worth of the advice he is given.
gain
He buys art solely for financial gain.
advantage
A good crowd will be a definite advantage to the team.
outcome
utility
He inwardly questioned the utility of his work.
merit
They have been persuaded of the merits of the scheme.
mileage (informal)
avail
His efforts were to no avail.
behoof (archaic)
(verb)
Definition
to intend or determine to do (something)
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
Synonyms
intend
She intends to do A levels and go to university.
mean
I didn't mean to hurt you.
plan
They plan to move house next year.
decide
I can't decide what to do.
design
a compromise designed to please everyone
aim
I didn't aim to get caught.
determine
I determined that I would ask him outright.
propose
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
resolve
She resolved to report the matter.
think to
contemplate
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
aspire
work towards
meditate
I was meditating, and reached a higher state of consciousness.
make up your mind
He had already made up his mind which side he was on.
commit yourself
have a mind to
set your sights on
phrase
See on purpose
Usage note
The two concepts purposeful and on purpose should be carefully distinguished. On purpose and purposely have roughly the same meaning, and imply that a person's action is deliberate, rather than accidental. However, purposeful and its related adverb purposefully refer to the way that someone acts as being full of purpose or determination.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of advantage
Definition
benefit or profit
A good crowd will be a definite advantage to the team.
Synonyms
benefit,
use,
start,
help,
service,
aid,
profit,
favour,
asset,
assistance,
blessing,
utility,
boon,
ace in the hole,
ace up your sleeve,
convenience,
avail
in the sense of ambition
Definition
something so desired
My ambition is to sail round the world.
Synonyms
goal,
end,
hope,
design,
dream,
target,
aim,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
intention,
objective,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of ambition
Definition
strong desire for success
a mixture of ambition and ruthlessness
Synonyms
enterprise,
longing,
drive,
fire,
spirit,
desire,
passion,
enthusiasm,
warmth,
striving,
initiative,
aspiration,
yearning,
devotion,
zeal,
verve,
zest,
fervour,
eagerness,
gusto,
hankering,
get-up-and-go (informal),
ardour,
keenness,
avidity,
fervency
Synonyms of 'purpose'
purpose
Explore 'purpose' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aspiration
Definition
a strong desire or aim
the needs and aspirations of our pupils
Synonyms
aim,
longing,
end,
plan,
hope,
goal,
design,
dream,
wish,
desire,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
craving,
endeavour,
yearning,
eagerness,
Holy Grail (informal),
hankering
in the sense of avail
Definition
use or advantage
His efforts were to no avail.
Synonyms
benefit,
use,
help,
good,
service,
aid,
profit,
advantage,
purpose,
assistance,
utility,
effectiveness,
mileage (informal),
usefulness,
efficacy,
boot (obsolete)
in the sense of benefit
Definition
a payment made by an institution or government to a person who is ill, unemployed, etc.
I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy.
Synonyms
good,
use,
help,
profit,
gain,
advantage,
favour,
reward,
utility,
merit,
boon,
mileage (informal),
avail
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to consider as a possibility
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
Synonyms
consider,
plan,
think of,
propose,
intend,
envisage,
foresee,
have in view or in mind
in the sense of decide
Definition
to reach a decision
I can't decide what to do.
Synonyms
make a decision,
make up your mind,
reach or come to a decision,
end,
choose,
determine,
purpose,
elect,
conclude,
commit yourself,
come to a conclusion
in the sense of design
Definition
an intention
Is there some design in having him here?
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
aim,
plan,
goal,
dream,
target,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent
in the sense of design
Definition
to intend (something) for a specific purpose
a compromise designed to please everyone
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
aim,
purpose,
adjust,
adapt,
tailor,
contrive,
destine
in the sense of desire
Definition
a wish or longing
I had a strong desire to help and care for people.
Synonyms
wish,
want,
longing,
need,
hope,
urge,
yen (informal),
hunger,
appetite,
aspiration,
ache,
craving,
yearning,
inclination,
thirst,
hankering
in the sense of determine
Definition
to make a decision
I determined that I would ask him outright.
Synonyms
decide,
purpose,
conclude,
resolve,
make a decision,
make up your mind,
come to a decision
in the sense of effect
Definition
a change or state of affairs caused by something or someone
the psychological effects of head injuries
Synonyms
result,
consequence,
conclusion,
outcome,
event,
issue,
aftermath,
fruit,
end result,
upshot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of end
Definition
the purpose of an action
another policy designed to achieve the same end
Synonyms
purpose,
point,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
aim,
object,
mission,
intention,
objective,
drift,
intent,
aspiration
in the sense of firmness
There was no denying his considerable firmness of purpose.
Synonyms
resolve,
resolution,
constancy,
inflexibility,
steadfastness,
obduracy,
strictness,
strength of will,
fixity,
fixedness,
staunchness
in the sense of function
Definition
the intended role or purpose of a person or thing
The main function of merchant banks is to raise capital.
Synonyms
purpose,
business,
job,
concern,
use,
part,
office,
charge,
role,
post,
operation,
situation,
activity,
exercise,
responsibility,
task,
duty,
mission,
employment,
capacity,
province,
occupation,
raison d'être
in the sense of gain
Definition
something won or acquired
He buys art solely for financial gain.
Synonyms
profit,
income,
earnings,
proceeds,
winnings,
return,
produce,
benefit,
advantage,
yield,
dividend,
acquisition,
attainment,
lucre (facetious),
emolument
in the sense of goal
Definition
an aim or purpose
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
Synonyms
aim,
end,
target,
purpose,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
destination,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of good
Definition
advantage or benefit
I'm only doing all this for your own good.
Synonyms
benefit,
interest,
gain,
advantage,
use,
service,
profit,
welfare,
behalf,
avail,
usefulness,
wellbeing
in the sense of hope
Definition
a feeling of desire for something, usually with confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
Synonyms
belief,
confidence,
expectation,
longing,
dream,
desire,
faith,
ambition,
assumption,
anticipation,
expectancy,
light at the end of the tunnel
in the sense of idea
Definition
aim or purpose
The idea is to help lower-income families to buy their homes.
Synonyms
intention,
aim,
purpose,
object,
end,
plan,
reason,
goal,
design,
objective,
motive
in the sense of initiative
Definition
enterprise
He was disappointed by her lack of initiative.
Synonyms
enterprise,
drive,
push (informal),
energy,
spirit,
resource,
leadership,
ambition,
daring,
enthusiasm,
pep,
vigour,
zeal,
originality,
eagerness,
dynamism,
boldness,
welly (slang),
inventiveness,
get-up-and-go (informal),
resourcefulness,
gumption (informal),
adventurousness
in the sense of intention
Definition
something intended
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
Synonyms
aim,
plan,
idea,
goal,
end,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
determination,
intent,
end in view
Additional synonyms
in the sense of justification
I knew there was no justification for what I was doing.
Synonyms
reason,
grounds,
defence,
basis,
excuse,
approval,
plea,
warrant,
apology,
rationale,
vindication,
rationalization,
absolution,
exoneration,
explanation,
exculpation,
extenuation
in the sense of make up your mind
Definition
to reach a decision
He had already made up his mind which side he was on.
Synonyms
decide,
choose,
determine,
settle on,
resolve,
make a decision about,
come to a decision about,
reach a decision about
in the sense of mean
Definition
to intend
I didn't mean to hurt you.
Synonyms
intend,
want,
plan,
expect,
design,
aim,
wish,
think,
propose,
purpose,
desire,
set out,
contemplate,
aspire,
have plans,
have in mind
in the sense of meditate
Definition
to think about something deeply
I was meditating, and reached a higher state of consciousness.
Synonyms
reflect,
think,
consider,
contemplate,
deliberate,
muse,
ponder,
ruminate,
cogitate,
be in a brown study,
plan,
design,
scheme,
purpose,
intend,
devise,
have in mind
in the sense of merit
Definition
an admirable or advantageous quality
They have been persuaded of the merits of the scheme.
Synonyms
advantage,
value,
quality,
worth,
strength,
asset,
virtue,
good point,
strong point,
worthiness
in the sense of motive
Definition
the reason, whether conscious or unconscious, for a certain course of action
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
Synonyms
reason,
motivation,
cause,
ground(s),
design,
influence,
purpose,
object,
intention,
spur,
incentive,
inspiration,
stimulus,
rationale,
inducement,
incitement,
mainspring,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of object
Definition
an aim or purpose
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
end,
point,
plan,
idea,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
principle,
function,
intention,
objective,
intent,
motive,
end in view,
end purpose,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of objective
Definition
an aim or purpose
His objective was to play golf and win.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
goal,
end,
plan,
hope,
idea,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
desire,
object,
intention,
ambition,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal),
end in view,
why and wherefore
in the sense of persistence
Skill comes only with practice, patience and persistence.
Synonyms
determination,
resolution,
pluck,
stamina,
grit,
endurance,
tenacity,
diligence,
perseverance,
constancy,
steadfastness,
doggedness,
pertinacity,
indefatigability,
tirelessness
in the sense of plan
Her plan was to teach the children at home.
Synonyms
intention,
idea,
aim,
hope,
goal,
target,
object,
ambition
Additional synonyms
in the sense of plan
Definition
to intend
They plan to move house next year.
Synonyms
intend,
aim,
mean,
propose,
purpose,
contemplate,
envisage,
foresee
in the sense of point
Definition
a reason or aim
What's the point of all these questions?
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
object,
use,
end,
reason,
goal,
design,
intention,
objective,
utility,
intent,
motive,
usefulness
in the sense of principle
Definition
a general law in science
the principles of quantum theory
Synonyms
rule,
idea,
law,
theory,
basis,
truth,
concept,
formula,
fundamental,
assumption,
essence,
proposition,
verity,
golden rule,
precept
in the sense of profit
Definition
a benefit or advantage
They saw little profit in risking their lives to capture the militants.
Synonyms
benefit,
good,
use,
interest,
value,
gain,
advantage,
advancement,
mileage (informal),
avail
in the sense of project
Definition
a proposal or plan
a local development project
Synonyms
scheme,
plan,
job,
idea,
design,
programme,
campaign,
operation,
activity,
proposal,
venture,
enterprise,
undertaking,
occupation,
proposition,
plan of action
in the sense of propose
Definition
to intend (to do something)
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
aim,
design,
scheme,
purpose,
have in mind,
have every intention
in the sense of resolution
Definition
firmness or determination
He implemented policy with resolution and single-mindedness.
Synonyms
determination,
energy,
purpose,
resolve,
courage,
dedication,
fortitude,
sincerity,
tenacity,
perseverance,
willpower,
boldness,
firmness,
staying power,
stubbornness,
constancy,
earnestness,
obstinacy,
steadfastness,
doggedness,
relentlessness,
resoluteness,
staunchness
in the sense of resolve
Definition
absolute determination
He doesn't weaken in his resolve.
Synonyms
determination,
resolution,
courage,
willpower,
boldness,
firmness,
earnestness,
steadfastness,
resoluteness
in the sense of resolve
Definition
to decide or determine firmly
She resolved to report the matter.
Synonyms
decide,
determine,
undertake,
make up your mind,
agree,
design,
settle,
purpose,
intend,
fix,
conclude
in the sense of result
Definition
the outcome or consequence of an action, policy, etc.
This is the result of eating too much fatty food.
Synonyms
consequence,
effect,
outcome,
end result,
issue,
event,
development,
product,
reaction,
fruit,
sequel,
upshot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of return
Definition
the yield or profit from an investment or venture
They have seen no return on their investment.
Synonyms
profit,
interest,
benefit,
gain,
income,
advantage,
revenue,
yield,
proceeds,
takings,
boot (dialect)
in the sense of scheme
Definition
a systematic plan for a course of action
a private pension scheme
Synonyms
plan,
programme,
strategy,
system,
design,
project,
theory,
proposal,
device,
tactics,
course of action,
contrivance
in the sense of target
Definition
a fixed goal or objective
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
Synonyms
goal,
aim,
objective,
end,
mark,
object,
intention,
ambition,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of tenacity
Sheer tenacity is crucial to career success.
Synonyms
perseverance,
resolution,
determination,
application,
resolve,
persistence,
diligence,
intransigence,
firmness,
stubbornness,
inflexibility,
obstinacy,
steadfastness,
obduracy,
doggedness,
strength of will,
strength of purpose,
resoluteness,
pertinacity,
staunchness
in the sense of utility
Definition
usefulness
He inwardly questioned the utility of his work.
Synonyms
usefulness,
use,
point,
benefit,
service,
profit,
fitness,
convenience,
mileage (informal),
avail,
practicality,
efficacy,
advantageousness,
serviceableness
in the sense of value
Definition
the desirability of something, often in terms of its usefulness or exchangeability
Studies are needed to see if these therapies have any value.
Synonyms
importance,
use,
benefit,
worth,
merit,
point,
help,
service,
sense,
profit,
advantage,
utility,
significance,
effectiveness,
mileage (informal),
practicality,
usefulness,
efficacy,
desirability,
serviceableness
in the sense of will
Definition
a strong determination
He lacked the will to confront her.
Synonyms
determination,
drive,
aim,
purpose,
commitment,
resolution,
resolve,
intention,
spine,
backbone,
tenacity,
willpower,
single-mindedness,
doggedness,
firmness of purpose
in the sense of wish
Definition
a desire, often for something impossible or improbable
Clearly she had no wish for his company.
Synonyms
desire,
liking,
want,
longing,
hope,
urge,
intention,
fancy (informal),
ambition,
yen (informal),
hunger,
aspiration,
craving,
lust,
yearning,
inclination,
itch (informal),
thirst,
whim,
hankering
in the sense of worth
Definition
high quality
The client has little means of judging the worth of the advice he is given.