Definition: purpose

Search dictionary for

Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

purpose
     n 1: an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your
          planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new
          translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was
          created with the conscious aim of answering immediate
          needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: intent,
           intention, aim, design]
     2: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to
        bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
        [syn: function, role, use]
     3: the quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
        "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a
        man of purpose" [syn: determination]
     v 1: propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: aim, purport,
           propose]
     2: reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again" [syn: resolve]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]
   1. To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.]

   2. To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon,
      as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to
      design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or
      dependent clause. --Chaucer.

            Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak.

            I purpose to write the history of England from the
            accession of King James the Second down to a time
            which is within the memory of men still living.
                                                  --Macaulay.
Purpose \Pur"pose\, n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L.
   propositum. See Propound.]
   1. That which a person sets before himself as an object to be
      reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view
      is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim;
      design; intention; plan.

            He will his firste purpos modify.     --Chaucer.

            As my eternal purpose hath decreed.   -- Milton.

            The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the
            deed go with it.                      --Shak.

   2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.

   3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange.

   In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous
      design; with the mind directed to that object;
      intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used.

   Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design.
Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. i.
   To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.]
   --Spenser.