purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator

there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth

Recent Examples on the Web

But the new album dips into a purposeful conversation about Black masculinity dating back centuries. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024

That journey can be purposeful and controlled—as with the ISS. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024

The new presentation: The person who used to put together a 20-page report now only puts together a one-page summary in a deliberate and purposeful fashion. —Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024

Marina Nelson: Incorporating a skills or trade-centric approach aligns with current business model trends and Avon’s Strategic Goals, creating systemic and purposeful innovation opportunities to develop critical thinkers. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1