purpose

[ˈpɜːrpəs]

purpose Definition

• 1. the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists
• 2. a person's sense of resolve or determination

Using purpose: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "purpose" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the budget.

• Example

  The purpose of life is a philosophical question that has puzzled thinkers for centuries.

• Example

  She found her purpose in helping others.

• Example

  He pursued his purpose with single-minded determination.

purpose Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for purpose

• aim
• goal
• objective
• intention
• design

Antonyms for purpose

• aimlessness
• purposelessness

Idioms Using purpose

• lose sight of the purpose

  to forget or neglect the original goal or intention

  Example

  In the midst of all the arguing, they lost sight of the purpose of the project.

• serve no purpose

  to have no useful function or effect

  Example

  All these extra buttons serve no purpose.

• for the purpose of

  with the aim or intention of

  Example

  I'm going to the store for the purpose of buying some milk.

Phrases with purpose

• on purpose

  intentionally; deliberately

  Example

  I didn't do it on purpose.

• serve a purpose

  to be useful or helpful for a particular reason

  Example

  This tool may not look like much, but it serves a purpose.

• sense of purpose

  a feeling of direction and motivation that drives a person to achieve their goals

  Example

  After years of wandering, she finally found a sense of purpose in her work.

Origins of purpose

from Old French 'porpos', from Latin 'propositum', meaning 'proposal, purpose'

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Summary: purpose in Brief

The term 'purpose' [ˈpɜːrpəs] refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. It can also denote a person's sense of resolve or determination. Examples include 'The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the budget,' and 'She found her purpose in helping others.' Phrases like 'on purpose' and idioms like 'lose sight of the purpose' add nuance to the term.