purpose

Definitions

1. noun

   The reason for which something is done or made.

   Examples

   • What is the purpose of your visit?
   • The tool can be used for many purposes.
   ≈end≈point≈aim
2. noun

   The job or use of something.

   Examples

   • The small table served as a tea table.
   • The purpose of this part is to store energy.
   ≈aim
3. noun

   A reason for living or doing something.

   Examples

   • Her work gave her life purpose.
   • This place gave him purpose and joy.
   ≈meaning
4. noun

   A strong will to do something.

   Examples

   • United played with more purpose in the second half.
   • She walked with purpose toward the door.
   ≈determination≈intention≈resolution
5. noun

   The point of a discussion.

   Examples

   • The speech was so little to the purpose that I will not repeat it.
   • He spoke plainly and to the purpose.
   ≈matter≈subject≈topic
6. verb

   To plan or aim to do something.

   Examples

   • I purpose to write a history of the town.
   • The group purposed to protect their land.
   ≈aim≈intend≈mean≈plan≈set out
7. verb

   To intend to do something.

   Examples

   • She purposed to finish the project by Friday.
   • He purposed to travel the world someday.
   ≈intend
8. verb

   In old-fashioned use, to talk about something.

   Examples

   • The elders purposed on matters of importance.
   • They purposed together late into the night.