the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
determination; resoluteness.
the subject in hand; the point at issue.
practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.
verb (used with object),pur·posed,pur·pos·ing.
to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
to intend; design.
to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.
verb (used without object),pur·posed,pur·pos·ing.
to have a purpose.
Idioms for purpose
on purpose, by design; intentionally: How could you do such a thing on purpose?
to the purpose, relevant; to the point: Her objections were not to the purpose.
Origin of purpose
First recorded in 1250–1300; (noun) Middle English purpos, from Old French, derivative of purposer, variant of proposer “to propose ”; (verb) Middle English purposen, from Anglo-French, Old French purposer
SYNONYMS FOR purpose
1 object, point, rationale.
7 mean, contemplate, plan.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR purpose ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for purpose
1. See intention.
OTHER WORDS FROM purpose
pre·pur·pose,verb (used with object),pre·pur·posed,pre·pur·pos·ing.re·pur·pose,verb (used with object),re·pur·posed,re·pur·pos·ing.un·pur·posed,adjectiveun·pur·pos·ing,adjective