Word
purpose
Phoneticspur·pose, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɝpəs/
UK/pˈɜːpəs/
Definitions
01reason or goal
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. the reason why something is done or why it exists.
n. the intended result, aim, or reason for which something is done or created.
“The main purpose of this meeting is to decide on next year's budget.”
“The primary purpose of the new legislation is to streamline the application process for small businesses while maintaining strict environmental standards.”
Pitfall
What is the purpose for this tool?
What is the purpose of this tool?
Use the preposition 'of' to connect 'purpose' to the object it describes.
02determination
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a feeling of having a clear plan and the strength to finish it.
n. a sense of resolution or determination in one's actions.
“She walked across the room with a sense of purpose, looking for the manager.”
“After months of feeling lost, he finally moved with a renewed sense of purpose once he began his volunteer work at the clinic.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03function
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the specific job or role that something has.
n. the practical function or role that an object or person serves within a system.
“This small tool serves a dual purpose as both a knife and a bottle opener.”
“The historic building was repurposed to serve a civic purpose, housing both the local library and the municipal archives.”
04to intend
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to plan or intend to do something.
v. to set as one's aim or intention; to resolve to accomplish a specific task.
“We purpose to finish the renovations before the winter starts.”
“The board purposed to expand their operations into the European market by the end of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Often followed by an infinitive ('to purpose to do something') or used transitively with a noun phrase.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “purpose” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The purpose of the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian, is to keep the Guardian going in perpetuity, serving the public interest, not the interests of the wealthy.” “Purpose is widely viewed as an important guiding principle for organizations to achieve positive economic, ecological, and social outcomes for multiple stakeholders.” “A clear purpose enhances performance, acting as a catalyst for growth rather than an impediment.” “What is the meaning and purpose of our work?” Etymology
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.
Synonyms
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Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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