on purpose
Adverb 1. Intentionally; deliberately; not by accident: This phrase means that an action was done with conscious intent and forethought. It emphasizes that the action was a conscious choice, not a mistake or an unforeseen event.
The phrase "on purpose" is used to modify a verb, clarifying that the action was deliberate. It often answers the question "Why?" or "How?" in a context where intent is questioned. - It typically follows the verb it modifies or comes at the end of a clause. - It is commonly used to contrast with accidental actions.
- (She deliberately did not lock the door.)
- (Was it intentional or not?)
- (My coming here was a deliberate action.)
- For emphasis: The phrase can be used for strong emphasis, sometimes in response to an accusation of carelessness.
- "You ignored my message!" "I did not ignore it on purpose; I simply didn't see it."
- In legal or formal contexts: While "intentionally" or "deliberately" are more formal, "on purpose" can be used for clarity.
- The defendant stated he did not damage the property on purpose.
- Purposely (adv.): With a specific purpose in mind; intentionally. (More formal than "on purpose").
- He purposely avoided making eye contact.
- Intentionally (adv.): Done with intention or purpose. (The most formal synonym).
- The software was intentionally designed to be simple.
- Deliberately (adv.): Done consciously and intentionally; often implies careful consideration.
- She deliberately chose her words.
- Intentionally
- Deliberately
- Purposely
- By design
- Willfully (often implies stubborn or deliberate intent, sometimes against advice or rules)
- By choice: Indicating an action was taken as a result of a personal decision.
- I live here by choice, not by necessity.
- Not by accident: A phrase used to assert that something was intentional, often for rhetorical effect.
- His success was not by accident; he worked very hard.
The core meaning of "on purpose" is the opposite of "by accident" or "unintentionally." It focuses on the actor's state of mind and conscious decision to perform an action. It does not necessarily imply the action was good or bad; it simply states it was done with intent.
- with intention; in an intentional manner
- he used that word intentionally
- I did this by choice