pur·pose·ful \-pəsfəl\adjective 1.: full of determination : guided by a definite aim < he was a purposeful man > 2.: serving as, being directed to, or indicating the existence of a purpose or object : not aimless or meaningless < purposeful activities > < ornament is often both decorative and purposeful > • pur·pose·ful·ly\-fəlē, -li\adverb • pur·pose·ful·nessnoun-es