purpose

play

noun pur·pose \ˈpər-pəs\

Definition of purpose

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

on purpose

: by intent : intentionally

See purpose defined for English-language learners

See purpose defined for kids

Examples of purpose in a Sentence

Shocking as it is, more than a month after the hurricane hit, New Orleans is still, for all practical purposes, a ghost town. —Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
By the time … American aid began pouring in, to all intents and purposes the war had already been lost. —Neil L. Jamieson, Understanding Vietnam, 1993
But wartime wage and price controls prevented companies from competing for the available talent by means of increased salaries. They had to compete with fringe benefits instead, and free health insurance was tailor-made for this purpose. —John Steele Gordon, American Heritage, May - June 1992
His purpose is to realize himself, to live the fullest possible life, and he is responsible for this, like all men, regardless of how society treats him. —Shelby Steele, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 1990
The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists.
The loans are small but they serve a good purpose.
Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning.
We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose.

Recent Examples of purpose from the Web

Political parties—many of which are said to have been incubated by the army for this purpose—tend to pander to the army.

— The Economist, "The pushmi-pullyuWhat makes Pakistan so unfathomable," 22 July 2017
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Simply Money: Here’s how much ‘emergency savings’ you should have," 20 July 2017
Cobb was named a first-team All-American as a junior while setting the Southeastern Conference’s single-season record for all-purpose yards (2,396).

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "John Wall, Randall Cobb, Ralph Hacker headline 2017 UK Hall of Fame class," 17 July 2017
The Three Musketeers remains vital today, a kind of fairy tale that tells us, in its over-the-top way, of our need to take risks on behalf of honorable purposes.

— hugh hunter, Philly.com, "Bet you don't know this Three Musketeers story," 16 July 2017
Prosecutors contend that Diamond began issuing prescriptions in 2010 that had no legitimate medical purpose.

— CBS News, "Doctor charged in connection with 7 overdose deaths," 12 July 2017
And while most prosthetics are meant for medical purposes, that's not what Clode is going for.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "This Robotic Extra Thumb Isn't Creepy at All," 7 July 2017
Contributors will receive a letter of confirmation for tax purposes.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Hope for the Homeless fashion show raises $1,000 for shelter," 29 June 2017
But because sexism, it's considered a huge deal when women accidentally (or on purpose) show theirs, which is why Chrissy Teigen's laid back reaction to an unexpected nip slip is so refreshing.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Chrissy Teigen Had a Major Nip Slip on Stage with John Legend, Handled it Like an *Actual* Legend," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'purpose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of purpose

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of purpose

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. announced his intention to marry intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. the clear intent of the statute purpose suggests a more settled determination. being successful was her purpose in life design implies a more carefully calculated plan. the order of events came by accident, not design aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. her aim was to raise film to an art form end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such. willing to use any means to achieve his end object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. his constant object was the achievement of pleasure objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. their objective is to seize the oil fields goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. worked years to reach her goals

purpose

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verb pur·pose \ˈpər-pəs\

Definition of purpose

purposed

;

purposing

transitive verb
: to propose as an aim to oneself

Examples of purpose in a Sentence

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
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
I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now.

Recent Examples of purpose from the Web

Estimates suggested in this Collectibles column are for general information purposes only and cannot be used as a basis for sale, insurance, or IRS purposes.

— OregonLive.com, "What's it worth? Gas lights, Boy Scout souvenir and more," 4 June 2017
However, there are flaws that warrant either SoccerCity’s demise or a re-purposed version that would have San Diego State in the driver’s seat, yet still allow for a soccer team and soccer academy.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Time for SDSU, SoccerCity folks to swap roles," 22 May 2017
They're sometimes created by chefs, often in the world of fine dining, and then mimicked and re-purposed by other restaurateurs.

— samantha bomkamp, chicagotribune.com, "Why kale is everywhere: How food trends are born," 19 May 2017
The waste can also be re-purposed to use as construction fill or on roads for de-icing.

— kitty leshay, Courant Community, "A Process To Ban Fracking Waste," 16 May 2017
Especially in a legislative body purposed to represent the people who make up a nation, that's a crucial reminder -- that women's lives and experiences matter, too.

— jill filipovic, CNN, "What US could learn from breastfeeding Australian senator," 10 May 2017
Billiard tables to be relocated The billiard tables in Clubhouses Five and Six will be removed due to low usage, and the spaces will be re-purposed into meeting rooms.

— Orange County Register, "Mountain bikes to join security forces," 4 Jan. 2017

Origin and Etymology of purpose

see ¹purpose

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

PURPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

purpose

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noun

Definition of purpose for English Language Learners

: the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something
: the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something
: the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.

PURPOSE Defined for Kids

purpose

play

noun pur·pose \ˈpər-pəs\

Definition of purpose for Students

: something set up as a goal to be achieved : intention, aim “… my purpose in writing this brief note is to suggest that we meet.” — E. B. White, Stuart Little