Word
purposeful
Phoneticspur·pose·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɝpəsfəɫ/
UK/pˈɜːpəsfəl/
Definition
adj. having a clear aim or plan. You use this to describe someone who acts with determination or something that is done for a specific reason.
adj. having or showing a clear sense of determination or resolve. Often describes actions or movements that appear intentional and directed toward a specific goal.
Examples
“She walked across the room with a purposeful stride.”
“The committee held a purposeful meeting to address the budget deficit before the end of the fiscal year.”
“His purposeful approach to the negotiations suggested that he had already secured the necessary support from the board to finalize the merger.”
Examples
simple
“She walked across the room with a purposeful stride.”
contextual
“The committee held a purposeful meeting to address the budget deficit before the end of the fiscal year.”
complex
“His purposeful approach to the negotiations suggested that he had already secured the necessary support from the board to finalize the merger.”
Usage
Typically used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'look'.
Real-World Examples
“Researchers found that students viewed the seven-minute sessions not as time away from studying, but as a purposeful reset that helped them return to their work feeling more focused and capable.” “The film-maker seems equally purposeful in our conversation as we dive deep into his pulpy samurai-coded neo-western.” “He has sandy dreadlocks, a slightly weathered smile and a purposeful manner.” Etymology
From purpose + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/purposeful