What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purposefully
Example
She walked purposefully towards the stage, ready to give her speech. [purposefully: adverb]
Example
He worked purposefully on his project, determined to finish it on time. [purposefully: adverb]
intentionally
Example
He intentionally left his phone at home to disconnect from technology. [intentionally: adverb]
Example
She intentionally avoided the party because she didn't want to see her ex-boyfriend. [intentionally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intentionally is more commonly used than purposefully in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purposefully and intentionally?
Purposefully is generally considered more formal than intentionally, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
