Definition of purpose - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
goalintention or objective aimed to be achieved
- He went to the university with the purpose of getting a degree..
2.
use caseintended role or aim behind an action, plan or thing
- The purpose of the meeting was to decide next steps.
3.
goalfixed intention or determination
- She pursued her goals with great purpose.
Verb
1.
intendtr. have as one's intention or objectivetr.
- He purposed to start his own business next year..
2.
decisionintr. Dated reach a decision about a planintr. Dated
- We purpose to travel abroad this summer.
Expressions with purpose
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make something pointless or stop it from working
If you lock the keys inside, you defeat the purpose.
deliberately but made to seem accidental
She spilled the drink accidentally on purpose to get his attention.
appropriate and meets the required standards
The new software is fit for purpose.
meet the needs or requirements of a situation
This cheap tarp isn’t pretty, but it answers the purpose.
benefit someone's private interest, often in a selfish way
He spreads rumors when it serves his purpose.
fulfill the requirements or needs
The temporary solution served its purpose until a permanent fix was found.
firm determination to achieve a goal
Her strength of purpose led her to success.
with a useful or beneficial result
His advice was put to good purpose.
be good enough for what someone needs
This old chair will answer my purpose for now.
done with intention or deliberation
She spilled the drink on purpose.
suitable for many different uses
She bought an all-purpose cleaner for the house.
move intentionally towards a goal
She moved with a purpose towards the exit.
feeling of having a meaningful goal or direction in life
Her strong sense of purpose drove her to work tirelessly for the community..
be good enough for what is needed
This old box will serve the purpose.
shared goal or aim held by a group
The team worked together for a common purpose.
indicating the reason for something
He studied hard for the purpose of passing the exam.
fulfill a specific function or role
The tool serves a purpose in the workshop.
reason or goal that justifies a company action or commercial activity
He explained the business purpose of the client dinner on the expense report.
misunderstanding or disagreement in aims between people
Their discussion was full of cross-purposes, leading to confusion..
only with one specific reason or intention in mind
He called for the sole purpose of apologizing.
designed for a specific purpose or function
This is a purpose-made tool for gardening.
have two different uses or functions at the same time
This tool serves a double purpose in the kitchen.
the exclusive aim or goal
The sole purpose of the meeting was to discuss the budget.
in a way that achieves nothing useful or helpful
He argued to no good purpose.
Origin of purpose
Old French, purpos (intention)
Terms with purpose included in their meaning
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application
employ something for a specific purpose
interrogative
for what reason or purpose
general use
utilize an object or resource for a purpose
facility
building used for a specific purpose
agriculture
plants grown for food or economic purpose
general use
items needed for a specific purpose
purpose
in order to achieve a purpose or goal
suitability
suitable or efficient for a purpose
intention
have as a purpose or plan
necessity
necessary or required for a purpose
appropriate
perfectly suitable or fit for purpose
task purpose
function or position of something
general location
location or place for a specific purpose
linguistics
indicates purpose or intention
unsuitable
not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
place
area with a specific purpose or characteristic
suitability
suitable or beneficial for a purpose or person
time
adequate duration for a particular purpose
purpose suitability
useful or suitable for a specific purpose
not opening eyes
not open the eyes on purpose for some time
planning
make ready or suitable in advance for a specific purpose or event
retail
purpose-built complex for shops and restaurants
activity
take a seat at a table for a purpose
general use
use time for a particular purpose or activity
Examples of purpose in a sentence
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the new project. She questioned the purpose of spending so much money on advertising. Each tool in the kit serves a specific purpose in the repair process. He spoke with purpose during the interview. They worked with renewed purpose after the setback. They purposed to travel the world together.
She purposed to finish her degree despite the challenges. They purpose to start a new business next year. We purpose to renovate the house soon.
View all translations of purpose
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:but, projeter, ...
- German:Ziel, beabsichtigen, ...
- Italian:scopo, intendere, ...
- Spanish:propósito, proponerse, ...
- Portuguese:objetivo, intencionar, ...
- Chinese:目标, 打算, ...
- Japanese:目標, 意図する, ...
- Arabic:غَرَض, نَوَى, ...
- Hebrew:מַטָּרָה, לְהִתְכַּוֵּן, ...
- Russian:цель, намереваться, ...
- Ukrainian:мета, мати намір, ...
- Hindi:उद्देश्य, इरादा करना, ...
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