noun

purpose

PUR-puhs

noun

The reason something exists or is done; its intended goal.

"The purpose of the meeting was to finalize the budget."

"She felt a new sense of purpose after starting the charity."

verb

To intend or plan to do something.

"He purposed to finish the project before the deadline."

How to Use Purpose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe reason behind doing something, or a sense of meaningful direction in life.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "on purpose" (intentionally) with "for the purpose of" (in order to).

Common pairings

sense of purpose serve a purpose on purpose

purposed past tense, purposes plural, purposes singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the meeting was to finalize the budget.

From Old French purposer ("to propose"), ultimately from Latin prōpōnere ("to put forth"), from prō- ("forth") plus pōnere ("to place").

goal object target plan intention reason for doing something

design accident goal plan aim object quarry target

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

goal object target plan intention reason for doing something design accident aim quarry