Definition

1. Noun:

   • The reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists: The intended goal or objective of an action, plan, or object.
   • A person's sense of resolve or determination: The quality of having a firm intention or aim; resoluteness.
   • (Archaic) The intended or desired result; an outcome: The effect that is hoped for.

2. Verb:

   • To have as one's intention or objective: To intend or plan to do something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget. (The reason for holding the meeting.)
  • She is a woman of great purpose. (She has a strong sense of determination.)
  • This tool serves no useful purpose. (It has no practical function or reason for existing.)

• Verb:

  • They purpose to finish the project by Friday. (They intend to finish it.)

Advanced Usage

• "On purpose": Intentionally; not by accident.
  • He spilled the drink on purpose to get attention.
• "To the purpose": Relevant or useful to the matter at hand.
  • Her comments were brief and to the purpose.
• "Serve a purpose": To be useful for a particular need or goal.
  • The old box served a purpose as a makeshift table.

Variants and Related Words

• Purposeful (adj): Having a clear purpose; determined.
  • She took purposeful steps toward her goal.
• Purposeless (adj): Having no purpose or aim.
  • A purposeless walk through the city.
• Purposely (adv): On purpose; intentionally.
  • I did not do it purposely.

Synonyms

• Noun: Aim, intention, objective, goal, function, resolve, determination.
• Verb: Intend, aim, plan, resolve, propose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(The word "purpose" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• "At cross purposes": Having opposing or conflicting aims or goals.
  • They were arguing because they were working at cross purposes.
• "To good purpose": With a useful or successful result.
  • He used his time to good purpose and finished the report.
• "To little/no purpose": With little or no useful result; in vain.
  • All our efforts were to no purpose.

Noun

1. the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
   • his determination showed in his every movement
   • he is a man of purpose
2. what something is used for
   • the function of an auger is to bore holes
   • ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
3. an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
   • his intent was to provide a new translation
   • good intentions are not enough
   • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
   • he made no secret of his designs

Verb

1. reach a decision
   • he resolved never to drink again
2. propose or intend
   • I aim to arrive at noon