purposive

/'pɔ:pəsiv/

Thân thiện

Purposive behavior is often seen in animals searching for food.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a purpose: Describes something that is done with a specific aim, goal, or intention in mind.
   • Done with a clear design or plan: Indicates that an action or behavior is not random or accidental but is directed towards achieving a particular outcome.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The study was a purposive sampling of experienced teachers. (The research intentionally selected a specific group of teachers to meet its goals.)
  • Her movements were slow and purposive, indicating careful planning. (Her actions were deliberate and goal-oriented.)
  • The law is purposive; it seeks to achieve social justice. (The legislation is designed with the clear aim of promoting social justice.)

Advanced Usage

• In research methodology: "Purposive sampling" or "purposive selection" refers to a non-random technique where researchers deliberately choose participants or cases that will best help them understand the research problem.
  • The sociologist used a purposive approach to interview community leaders.
• In legal interpretation: A "purposive approach" or "purposive construction" means interpreting a law or document by looking at the purpose behind it, not just the literal words.
  • The judge favored a purposive interpretation of the statute to reflect modern realities.

Variants and Related Words

• Purposefully (adverb): In a way that shows determination or resolve; deliberately.
  • She walked purposefully toward the podium.
• Purposefulness (noun): The quality of having a clear purpose or determination.
  • The purposefulness of his actions was admirable.

Synonyms

• Intentional: Done on purpose; deliberate.
• Deliberate: Done consciously and intentionally.
• Goal-directed: Aimed at achieving a specific objective.
• Designed: Planned or conceived for a particular purpose.

Antonyms

• Aimless: Without purpose or direction.
• Random: Made, done, or happening without method or conscious decision.
• Haphazard: Lacking any obvious principle of organization.

Related Phrases

• To act purposively: To behave in a way that is directed toward a goal.
  • The team worked purposively to complete the project on time.
• Purposive behavior: A term often used in psychology and philosophy to describe actions that are performed to attain a goal, as opposed to reflexive actions.
  • The psychologist studied the purposive behavior of animals in problem-solving tasks.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having a purpose
   • purposive behavior
2. having or showing or acting with a purpose or design
   • purposive behavior

Từ đồng nghĩa

• goal-directed