What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intentional
Example
He made an intentional effort to arrive early for the meeting. [intentional: adjective]
Example
She intentionally left her phone at home to disconnect from technology. [intentionally: adverb]
purposive
Example
The company implemented a purposive marketing strategy to increase sales. [purposive: adjective]
Example
The purposive design of the building maximizes natural light and energy efficiency. [purposively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intentional is more common in everyday language than purposive, which is typically used in technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intentional and purposive?
Purposive is more formal than intentional, making it suitable for academic or professional writing. However, intentional can also be used in formal contexts, depending on the tone and context of the sentence.
