purpose (ˈpɜːpəs
)
Definitions
noun
- the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
- a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort
- fixed intention in doing something; determination ⇒
a man of purpose
- practical advantage or use ⇒
to work to good purpose
- that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose)
- archaic purport
- See on purpose
verb (tr)
- to intend or determine to do (something)
Word Origin
C13: from Old French porpos, from porposer to plan, from Latin prōpōnere to proposeSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
reason,
point,
idea,
goal,
grounds,
design,
aim,
basis,
principle,
function,
object,
intention,
objective,
motive,
motivation,
justification,
impetus,
the why and wherefore
=
aim,
end,
plan,
hope,
view,
goal,
design,
project,
target,
wish,
scheme,
desire,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
aspiration,
Holy Grail,
=
determination,
commitment,
resolve,
will,
resolution,
initiative,
enterprise,
ambition,
conviction,
motivation,
persistence,
tenacity,
firmness,
constancy,
single-mindedness,
steadfastness,
Translations
- British English:
purpose
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.What is the purpose of your visit?ˈpɜːpəs NOUN What is the purpose of your visit?
- Spanish:
propósito
nm
- French:
but
nm
- German:
Zweck
nm
- Chinese: 目的 n
- Arabic: غَرَض n
- Portuguese: propósito nm
- Russian: цель nf
- Croatian: svrha nf
- Czech: účel nm
- Danish: formål nnt
- Dutch: doel nnt
- Finnish: tarkoitus n
- Greek: σκοπός nm
- Italian: scopo nm
- Japanese: 目的 n
- Korean: 목적 n
- Norwegian: formål nnt
- Polish: cel nm
- Brazilian Portuguese: propósito nm
- European Spanish:
propósito
nm
- Swedish: syfte nnt
- Thai: วัตถุประสงค์ n
- Turkish: amaç n
- Vietnamese: mục đích n
Usage examples
He must be going to Lisbon for a purpose which I don't think, given his political beliefs, will be to take a ship to the United States.
, THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS (2002)The few left fulfilling the purpose for which they were built are inexorably doomed.
Country Life (2004)He said Brennan's presence at the Neptune Beach Hotel was for the purpose of "enhancing the operation" of the "Real IRA".
Irish Times (2002)Prices start from £55,000 and a new purpose built showhouse has just opened.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The purpose of sitting perfectly still in meditation is to observe whatever comes without trying to avoid or judge it.
, KARMA, REINCARNATION AND REBIRTH: How Karma Affects Our Life, Our Personality, and Our Future (2002)