Main Entry: ¹pur·pose

Pronunciation: \ˈpər-pəs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English purpos, from Anglo-French, from purposer to intend, propose, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) to propose — more at propound

Date: 14th century

1 a : something set up as an object or end to be attained : intention b : resolution, determination
2 : a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution

synonyms see intention

— on purpose : by intent : intentionally