ENGLISH
REFERENCE

purposes

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpɝpəsəz// UK //pˈɜːpəsɪz// pur·pos·es

n. the reasons for doing something or the ways you plan to use something.

n. the reasons for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. Often used in the plural to describe a specific set of intentions or functions.


SIMPLE

The room is used for many different purposes.

CONTEXTUAL

For tax purposes, you must keep all your receipts from the last three years in a safe place.

COMPLEX

The architect designed the building to serve dual purposes, acting as both a functional office space and a public gallery for local artists.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural within prepositional phrases like 'for all intents and purposes' or 'for [adjective] purposes'.

Pitfall

for the purpose to helpfor the purpose of helpingWhen followed by a verb, the noun 'purpose' takes the preposition 'of' and a gerund, rather than an infinitive.

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