purpose

²pur·pose

verb \ˈpər-pəs\

pur·posedpur·pos·ing

Definition of PURPOSE

transitive verb

: to propose as an aim to oneself

Examples of PURPOSE

1. <I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now.>
2. I have not purposed to misrepresent this boy in any way, for what little indignation he excited in me soon passed and left nothing behind it but compassion. —Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880
3. The child then explained that they had left the races on the first day, and were travelling to the next town on that road, where they purposed to spend the night. —Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop, 1841

Origin of PURPOSE

(see ¹purpose)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PURPOSE

Synonyms: aim, allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern & Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, intend

Related Words: dream, hope, wish; consider, debate, mull (over), ponder; attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try; plot, scheme; accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

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