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purpose - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'purpose' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Purpose [ n.]
- That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
- Proposal to another; discourse.
- Instance; example.
2 . Purpose [ v. i.]
- To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
3 . Purpose [ v. t.]
- To set forth; to bring forward.
- To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.

Meaning of 'purpose' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . purpose [ n]
Meaning (1):
- what something is used for
Example in sentence:
  • ballet is beautiful but what use is it?;
  • the function of an auger is to bore holes
Meaning (2):
- an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
Example in sentence:
  • good intentions are not enough;
  • he made no secret of his designs;
  • his intent was to provide a new translation;
  • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
Meaning (3):
- the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
Example in sentence:
  • he is a man of purpose;
  • his determination showed in his every movement
4 . purpose [ v]
Meaning (4):
- reach a decision
Example in sentence:
  • he resolved never to drink again
Meaning (5):
- propose or intend
Example in sentence:
  • I aim to arrive at noon

Nearby Words:

pur purana puranic purbeck beds purbeck stone purblind purcelane purchasable purchase purchased

See 'purpose' also in:

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