purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator

there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyone from teenagers who just earned a license to longtime amateur enthusiasts to professional racers can benefit from purposeful exercises intended to hone such fundamentals. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2024

Accessibility and Sustainability The almost century-old Peninsula brand is dedicated to longevity and continuing to build upon a timeless, purposeful brand. —Stacey Wreathall, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1