purpose
/ˈpəːpəs
/noun
1The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists: the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee the building is no longer needed for its original purpose...
- Stalin expanded the system for the purpose of creating a massive labour pool.
- If you've made an effort, you should explain the purpose and the reason behind it.
- It was created for the purpose of promoting advancement and prosperity of our continent.
Synonyms
motive, motivation, grounds, cause, impetus, occasion, reason, point, basis, justification
intention, aim, object, objective, goal, end, plan, scheme, target;
ambition, aspiration, desire, wish, hope
advantage, benefit, good, use, usefulness, value, merit, worth, gain, profit, avail, result, outcome, effect
informal mileage, percentage
archaic behoof, boot
function, role;
French raison d'être
1.1 (usually purposes) A particular requirement or consideration, typically one that is temporary or restricted in scope or extent: state pensions are considered as earned income for tax purposes...
- Access to the system is restricted to the sole purposes stated in the Regulation.
- Railways were among the first business entities to be brought within central supervision for tax purposes.
- That results in their New Zealand business being thinly capitalised for tax purposes.
2 [mass noun] A person’s sense of resolve or determination: there was a new sense of purpose in her step as she set off...
- We need to infuse our global leadership with a new sense of purpose and lasting resolve.
- A powerful sense of purpose and contemporary relevance drives the website.
- Learned grown-ups and leaders have to move with a sense of purpose, in a fixed direction.
Synonyms
determination, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, firmness (of purpose), steadfastness, backbone, drive, push, thrust, enthusiasm, ambition, initiative, enterprise, motivation, single-mindedness, commitment, conviction, dedication
informal get-up-and-go
verb [with object] formal
Have as one’s intention or objective: God has allowed suffering, even purposed it...
- Informal or intimate talk is purposed to establish and maintain social contacts with others, making social connections, developing and reinforcing intimate relationships.
- This artful temple was purposed to inspire, still and deeply touch the traveller.
- This lane is purposed to speed the transport of vehicles who were deliberate about pooling resources, and conserving time and energy.
Synonyms
intend, mean, aim, plan, design, have the intention, have in mind, have a mind;
decide, resolve, determine, propose, have plans, set out, aspire, desire, want, wish, expect, hope;
set one's sights on, have in view, contemplate, think of
Phrases
accidentally on purpose
on purpose
to no purpose
to the purpose
Origin
Middle English: from Old French porpos, from the verb porposer, variant of proposer (see propose).