purpose

1 of 2

noun

pur·pose ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce purpose (audio)

: something set up as an object or end to be attained : intention

: resolution, determination

: a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution

purpose

2 of 2

verb

purposed; purposing

transitive verb

: to propose as an aim to oneself

Example Sentences

Noun Shocking as it is, more than a month after the hurricane hit, New Orleans is still, for all practical purposes, a ghost town.

Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005 By the time … American aid began pouring in, to all intents and purposes the war had already been lost.

Neil L. Jamieson, Understanding Vietnam, 1993 But wartime wage and price controls prevented companies from competing for the available talent by means of increased salaries. They had to compete with fringe benefits instead, and free health insurance was tailor-made for this purpose.

John Steele Gordon, American Heritage, May - June 1992 His purpose is to realize himself, to live the fullest possible life, and he is responsible for this, like all men, regardless of how society treats him.

Shelby Steele, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 1990 The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists. The loans are small but they serve a good purpose. Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning. We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose. Verb I have not purposed to misrepresent this boy in any way, for what little indignation he excited in me soon passed and left nothing behind it but compassion.

Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880 The child then explained that they had left the races on the first day, and were travelling to the next town on that road, where they purposed to spend the night.

Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop, 1841 I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pelzer said at the Sept. 12 meeting that his purpose in making the proposal was to get people to come to the meeting to voice their opinions on the idea.

Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2022 But over the years, fantasy punishments have outgrown their ostensible purpose and in the process seem to have gotten progressively more absurd.

Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2022 This lunar event encourages you to close out old cycles and leave behind toxic behavior that doesn't serve your higher purpose.

Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2022 That was part of the motivation for the company to design its first vessel purpose-built for the Mississippi River, aptly named Viking Mississippi.

Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 The room’s impossible grandeur suited its purpose as a private domain with serious public overtones.

Robert Haskell, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 That finding your purpose is one of the most gratifying experiences.

Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 The hackers have used software developed by others with quixotic names — Hello Kitty/Five Hands and Zeppelin — that mask their malicious purpose.

Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 Your cosplays, fancams, fan art, and insights make this community a richer place and remind us of our purpose.

Adam B. Vary, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022

Verb

Further, about 80% of the materials processed by Rumpke are sold to companies in the Midwest who re-purpose them into consumer goods.

Courtney Astolfi, cleveland, 18 June 2022 At the opposite end of the spectrum is the financial industry, where dollars—not purpose—still appear to be king.

Lance Lambert, Fortune, 24 May 2022 PĀPR Cosmetics’ multi-purpose Everything Stick can be used on lips, elbows, eyes and anywhere else on the body that could use hydration.

Danielle Directo-meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2022 Steve has also hinted that Jordan likely plans to purpose someday.

Dory Jackson, PEOPLE.com, 4 Mar. 2022 Balance Between Personal And Professional Values Alignment to purpose and values has been important, but now is more of a criterion for career moves.

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2021 Measures include elevating the companies purpose, giving employees incentives for staying and flexibility, to name a few.

Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2021 Our eco-anxiety has led us to re-purpose, resell and recycle our wardrobes in an effort to minimise our impact on the planet.

Bree Grant, refinery29.com, 30 Sep. 2021 Conversely, helping people connect to purpose increases retention, engagement, profitability, and well-being.

Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2021 See More

purpose 1 of 2

noun

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

goal
aim
intention
intent
objective
plan
idea
object
thing
ambition
dream
meaning
ideal
aspiration
design
point
target
end
project
hope
bourne
mark
name of the game
desire
pretension
bourn
scheme
mind
wish
plot
destination
grail
holy grail
terminus
nirvana

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

way
method
means

as in task

the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists still trying to discover her purpose in life

Synonyms & Similar Words

task
role
function
job
part
mission
work
capacity
place
position
business
concern
duty
vocation
participation
situation
pursuit
rôle
involvement
use
responsibility
office
activity
occupation
post
service
assignment
calling
commission
niche
affair
hand
employ
charge

purpose

2 of 2

verb

as in to plan

to have in mind as a purpose or goal I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now

Synonyms & Similar Words

plan
intend
aim
hope
design
contemplate
mean
wish
propose
look
purport
try
go
attempt
aspire
dream
meditate
figure on
calculate
effect
accomplish
consider
allow
endeavor
achieve
struggle
scheme
debate
plot
ponder
strive
perform
mull (over)
execute

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of purpose are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and object. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

The meanings of aim and purpose largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

While the synonyms design and purpose are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

While in some cases nearly identical to purpose, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

In some situations, the words goal and purpose are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

The words intent and purpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

Although the words intention and purpose have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

The synonyms objective and purpose are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

单词	purpose
释义	purpose 1 of 2 noun pur·pose ˈpər-pəs 1 a : something set up as an object or end to be attained : intention b : resolution, determination 2 : a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution purpose 2 of 2 verb purposed; purposing transitive verb : to propose as an aim to oneself Phrases on purpose : by intent : intentionally Synonyms Noun aim ambition aspiration bourne bourn design dream end goal idea ideal intent intention mark meaning object objective plan point pretension target thing Verb aim allow [chiefly Southern & Midland] aspire calculate contemplate design go [chiefly Southern & Midland] intend look mean meditate plan propose purport See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun Shocking as it is, more than a month after the hurricane hit, New Orleans is still, for all practical purposes, a ghost town. Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005 By the time … American aid began pouring in, to all intents and purposes the war had already been lost. Neil L. Jamieson, Understanding Vietnam, 1993 But wartime wage and price controls prevented companies from competing for the available talent by means of increased salaries. They had to compete with fringe benefits instead, and free health insurance was tailor-made for this purpose. John Steele Gordon, American Heritage, May - June 1992 His purpose is to realize himself, to live the fullest possible life, and he is responsible for this, like all men, regardless of how society treats him. Shelby Steele, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 1990 The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists. The loans are small but they serve a good purpose. Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning. We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose. Verb I have not purposed to misrepresent this boy in any way, for what little indignation he excited in me soon passed and left nothing behind it but compassion. Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880 The child then explained that they had left the races on the first day, and were travelling to the next town on that road, where they purposed to spend the night. Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop, 1841 I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now. See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun Pelzer said at the Sept. 12 meeting that his purpose in making the proposal was to get people to come to the meeting to voice their opinions on the idea. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2022 But over the years, fantasy punishments have outgrown their ostensible purpose and in the process seem to have gotten progressively more absurd. Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2022 This lunar event encourages you to close out old cycles and leave behind toxic behavior that doesn't serve your higher purpose. Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2022 That was part of the motivation for the company to design its first vessel purpose-built for the Mississippi River, aptly named Viking Mississippi. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 The room’s impossible grandeur suited its purpose as a private domain with serious public overtones. Robert Haskell, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 That finding your purpose is one of the most gratifying experiences. Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 The hackers have used software developed by others with quixotic names — Hello Kitty/Five Hands and Zeppelin — that mask their malicious purpose. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 Your cosplays, fancams, fan art, and insights make this community a richer place and remind us of our purpose. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 Verb Further, about 80% of the materials processed by Rumpke are sold to companies in the Midwest who re-purpose them into consumer goods. Courtney Astolfi, cleveland, 18 June 2022 At the opposite end of the spectrum is the financial industry, where dollars—not purpose—still appear to be king. Lance Lambert, Fortune, 24 May 2022 PĀPR Cosmetics’ multi-purpose Everything Stick can be used on lips, elbows, eyes and anywhere else on the body that could use hydration. Danielle Directo-meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2022 Steve has also hinted that Jordan likely plans to purpose someday. Dory Jackson, PEOPLE.com, 4 Mar. 2022 Balance Between Personal And Professional Values Alignment to purpose and values has been important, but now is more of a criterion for career moves. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2021 Measures include elevating the companies purpose, giving employees incentives for staying and flexibility, to name a few. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2021 Our eco-anxiety has led us to re-purpose, resell and recycle our wardrobes in an effort to minimise our impact on the planet. Bree Grant, refinery29.com, 30 Sep. 2021 Conversely, helping people connect to purpose increases retention, engagement, profitability, and well-being. Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2021 See More Word History Etymology Noun and Verb Middle English purpos, from Anglo-French, from purposer to intend, propose, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) to propose — more at propound First Known Use Noun 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined above Phrases Containing purpose a higher purpose all-purpose cross-purpose serve a purpose purpose-built for no apparent purpose defeat the purpose of general-purpose special purpose acquisition company share a common purpose strength of purpose to good purpose to no good purpose for a good purpose serve no purpose to the purpose dual-purpose clarity of purpose on purpose accidentally on purpose See More a higher purpose all-purpose cross-purpose serve a purpose purpose-built for no apparent purpose defeat the purpose of general-purpose special purpose acquisition company share a common purpose strength of purpose to good purpose to no good purpose for a good purpose serve no purpose to the purpose dual-purpose clarity of purpose on purpose accidentally on purpose See More Kids Definition purpose noun pur·pose ˈpər-pəs : something set up as a goal to be achieved : intention, aim "… my purpose in writing this brief note is to suggest that we meet." E. B. White, Stuart Little Legal Definition purpose noun pur·pose ˈpər-pəs : an objective, effect, or result aimed at or attained specifically : the business activity in which a corporation is chartered to engage purpose 1 of 2 noun 1 as in goal something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance goal aim intention intent objective plan idea object thing ambition dream meaning ideal aspiration design point target end project hope bourne mark name of the game desire pretension bourn scheme mind wish plot destination grail holy grail terminus nirvana Antonyms & Near Antonyms way method means 2 as in task the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists still trying to discover her purpose in life Synonyms & Similar Words task role function job part mission work capacity place position business concern duty vocation participation situation pursuit rôle involvement use responsibility office activity occupation post service assignment calling commission niche affair hand employ charge purpose 2 of 2 verb as in to plan to have in mind as a purpose or goal I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now Synonyms & Similar Words plan intend aim hope design contemplate mean wish propose look purport try go attempt aspire dream meditate figure on calculate effect accomplish consider allow endeavor achieve struggle scheme debate plot ponder strive perform mull (over) execute Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of purpose are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and object. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," purpose suggests a more settled determination. being successful was her purpose in life The meanings of aim and purpose largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. her aim was to raise film to an art form While the synonyms design and purpose are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan. the order of events came by accident, not design While in some cases nearly identical to purpose, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such. willing to use any means to achieve his end In some situations, the words goal and purpose are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. worked years to reach her goals The words intent and purpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. the clear intent of the statute Although the words intention and purpose have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. announced his intention to marry Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. his constant object was the achievement of pleasure The synonyms objective and purpose are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. their objective is to seize the oil fields Phrases Containing purpose on purpose on purpose
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purpose

noun

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing purpose

Kids Definition

noun

Legal Definition

noun

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Phrases Containing purpose