noun
- the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
- an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
- determination; resoluteness.
- the subject in hand; the point at issue.
- practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.
verb (used with object), pur·posed, pur·pos·ing.
- to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
- to intend; design.
- to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.
verb (used without object), pur·posed, pur·pos·ing.
- to have a purpose.
Idioms
- on purpose, by design; intentionally: How could you do such a thing on purpose?
- to the purpose, relevant; to the point: Her objections were not to the purpose.
noun
- the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
- a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort
- fixed intention in doing something; determinationa man of purpose
- practical advantage or useto work to good purpose
- that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose)
- archaic purport
- on purpose intentionally
verb (tr)
- to intend or determine to do (something)
n.c.1300, “intention, aim, goal,” from Anglo-French purpos, Old French porpos “aim, intention” (12c.), from porposer “to put forth,” from por- “forth” (from Latin pro- “forth;” see pur-) + Old French poser “to put, place” (see pose (v.1)). On purpose “by design” is attested from 1580s; earlier of purpose (early 15c.). v.late 14c., from Anglo-French purposer “to design,” Old French porposer “to intend, propose,” variant of proposer (see propose). see at cross purposes; for all intents and purposes; on purpose; serve a purpose; to good purpose; to little or no purpose.