purpose
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the specific job or role that something has.
n.the practical function or role served by an object or process.
Simple“The main purpose of the heart is to pump blood around the body.”
In context“While the building was originally a warehouse, its current purpose is to provide affordable studio space for local artists.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a feeling of having a clear plan and the strength to finish it.
n.a sense of resolve or determination; the quality of being resolute.
Simple“She walked into the room with a sense of purpose, ready to start the project.”
In context“The new CEO spoke with such purpose that the demoralised staff immediately felt a renewed commitment to the company's mission.”
SynonymsAntonymsindecisionaimlessness - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to plan or intend to do something.
v.to set as one's aim or intention; to resolve to accomplish a specific task.
Simple“He purposed to finish the book before the end of the year.”
In context“The explorer purposed to reach the summit by noon, though the worsening weather threatened to derail his timeline.”
UsageOften followed by a 'to' infinitive.
Usage dual purpose · general purpose · particular purpose
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere.
From Middle English purposen, from Old French purposer (“to propose”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.