purpose

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   The reason something is done, made, said, or used.

   Grammar: Countable for a particular aim: The purpose was clear; uncountable in broad phrases: the purpose of the visit.

   Patterns

   • the purpose of something
   • serve a purpose
   • a clear purpose
   • fulfill a purpose

   The purpose of the meeting is to plan the budget.

   This old bowl still serves a purpose in the kitchen.

   She wrote with a clear purpose, not just to fill pages.

2. 2nouncountable

   A definite goal or intention that guides action.

   Grammar: One countable aim among several: His purpose is to finish school, not just the general reason for something.

   Patterns

   • have a purpose
   • set out with a purpose
   • a sense of purpose
   • find one's purpose

   The group marched with a shared purpose.

   After the illness, he searched for a new purpose.

   A sense of purpose can make hard work feel lighter.

3. 3phraseidiom

   Deliberately, not by chance.

   Grammar: Fixed adverbial phrase: It was done on purpose; contrast by accident.

   Patterns

   • on purpose
   • do something on purpose
   • not on purpose

   I did not ignore you; it was not on purpose.

   The child knocked the cup over on purpose to test the rule.

   She arrived early on purpose to avoid the crowd.

4. 4phrasefixed phraseformal

   For the reason of doing something; with a view to a particular activity.

   Grammar: For the purpose of takes a noun or -ing form: for the purpose of review; for the purpose of reviewing.

   Patterns

   • for the purpose of something
   • for the purpose of doing something

   The data was collected for the purpose of improving safety.

   Cameras were installed for the purpose of monitoring traffic.

   He visited the office for the purpose of signing the contract.

Common combinations

main purpose

The main purpose of the app is to reduce waiting time.

serve a purpose

Even a small balcony can serve a purpose as an herb garden.

sense of purpose

Volunteering gave her a stronger sense of purpose.

statement of purpose

The application included a one-page statement of purpose.

Synonyms and how they differ

aim

Close to a countable goal; purpose can also mean the broader reason for an object or action.

function

Best for what something is designed to do, not always a person's intention.

intention

Focuses on what someone plans; purpose can include use, reason, and direction.

objective

A formal, countable target, often in work, teaching, or planning.

Opposites

Word family

purposeful adjective

Having or showing clear intention and direction.

purposefully adverb

In a deliberate, directed way.

purposeless adjective

Without aim or use; often negative.

purposely adverb

Deliberately; close to on purpose.

Commonly confused: purpose or porpoise?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “purpose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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