purposive

adjective

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pur·po·sive | \ ˈpər-pə-siv

, (ˌ)pər-ˈpō-

Definition of purposive

1 : serving or effecting a useful function though not as a result of planning or design

2 : having or tending to fulfill a conscious purpose or design : purposeful

Other Words from purposive Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About purposive

Examples of purposive in a Sentence

facial tics and other unconscious movements that one would not normally call purposive actions

Recent Examples on the Web Sporadic outbursts of feeling are converted into purposive and unremitting activity. — Aldous Huxley, Harper's Magazine, 17 Aug. 2021 In this sense, history is not only rational but also providential: designed, purposive, teleological. — James Wood, The New Yorker, 25 May 2020

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