purpose
//ˈpɜːpəs//
Forms
- Plural
- purposes
- present (v1)
- purpose
- past (v2)
- purposed
- past participle (v3)
- purposed
- present participle
- purposing
- 3rd person singular
- purposes
Definitions
1.The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
2.Function, role.
- The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
- As with all life forms, the sole purpose of a virus is to ensure reproduction in kind.
- Is it the purpose of mosquitoes to ultimately provide calories to large birds of prey?
3.meaning for existing or doing something.
- This place gave him purpose, gave him joy. It was both his life and his lifeline and she was both thrilled and relieved that he'd recovered enough to be able to maintain the place.
4.Resolution; determination.
- Perhaps you have heard that there was once some purpose of marriage between the Duc de Joyeuse and myself; it is of that which I have to tell.
- United began with more purpose in the early phase of the second half and Liverpool were grateful for Glen Johnson's crucial block from Young's goalbound shot.
1.To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
- I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
- Our gracious Ancestors, however, purposed Nothing, against these their ancient and implacable Enemies, save what was necessary and indispensable, with respect to their own Preservation.
2.To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #938
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere.
By surface analysis, pur- + pose (“halt, pause, put, place”).