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Synonyms
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.
intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.
purpose suggests a more settled determination.
design implies a more carefully calculated plan.
aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.
end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.
objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.
goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.
Examples of purpose in a Sentence
Word History
Noun and Verb
Middle English purpos, from Anglo-French, from purposer to intend, propose, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) to propose — more at propound
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing purpose
- accidentally on purpose
- a higher purpose
- all-purpose
- clarity of purpose
- cross-purpose
- defeat the purpose of
- dual-purpose
- for a good purpose
- for no apparent purpose
- general-purpose
- purpose-built
- serve a purpose
- serve no purpose
- share a common purpose
- special purpose acquisition company
- strength of purpose
- to good purpose
- to no good purpose
- to the purpose
Articles Related to purpose
Dictionary Entries Near purpose
Cite this Entry
“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpose. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
purpose
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on purpose
Nglish: Translation of purpose for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of purpose for Arabic Speakers
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