Definitions for: Purpose


[n] the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose"
[n] what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
[n] an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs"
[v] reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again"
[v] propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon"



Webster (1913) Definition: Pur"pose, n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L.
propositum. See Propound.]
1. That which a person sets before himself as an object to be
reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view
is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim;
design; intention; plan.

He will his firste purpos modify. --Chaucer.

As my eternal purpose hath decreed. -- Milton.

The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the
deed go with it. --Shak.

2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.

3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange.

In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous
design; with the mind directed to that object;
intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used.

Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design.


Pur"pose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb.
n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]
1. To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.]

2. To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon,
as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to
design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or
dependent clause. --Chaucer.

Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak.

I purpose to write the history of England from the
accession of King James the Second down to a time
which is within the memory of men still living.
--Macaulay.


Pur"pose, v. i.
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.]
--Spenser.

Synonyms: aim, aim, design, determination, function, intent, intention, propose, purport, resolve, role, use

See Also: cross-purpose, decide, determine, diligence, doggedness, end, firmness, goal, idea, indefatigability, indefatigableness, industriousness, industry, intend, make up one's mind, mean, mind, perseverance, persistence, persistency, pertinacity, raison d'etre, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, sake, tenaciousness, tenacity, think, tirelessness, usefulness, utility, view, will

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