purpose

1 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted Synonyms aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne (also bourn), design, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, goal, target, thingRelated Words grail, holy grail; plot, project, scheme; desire, hope, mind, wish; nirvana; destination, terminusNear Antonyms means, method, way

2 the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists still trying to discover her purpose in life Synonyms business, capacity, function, job, part, place, position, role, task, workRelated Words affair, concern, hand, involvement, participation; niche, office, post, situation; calling, occupation, pursuit, vocation; activity, assignment, charge, commission, duty, employ, mission, responsibility, service, use

to have in mind as a purpose or goal I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now Synonyms aim, allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern & Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, intendRelated Words dream, hope, wish; consider, debate, mull (over), ponder; attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try; plot, scheme; accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform