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Purpose
Definitions
- 1 The end for which something is done, is made or exists. countable, uncountable
"What is the purpose of your visit?"
- 2 the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose wordnet
- 3 Function, role. countable, uncountable
"The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably."
- 4 what something is used for wordnet
- 5 meaning for existing or doing something. countable, uncountable
"Before being hospitalized, Thea filled her days with work that gave her life purpose. Whether it was teaching, writing, or investing in relationships, Thea was busily and actively engaged in activity that she could feel good about."
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- 6 an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions wordnet
- 7 Resolution; determination. countable, uncountable
"[…]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout ſuſpition, no doubt to their equall ioy and contentment."
- 8 The subject of discourse; the point at issue. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"[…]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]"
- 1 To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan. transitive
"1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xxxvi, leaf 235v Soo was Alysander purposed to ryde to london by the coūceille of sire Tristram to syre Launcelot / "So was Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot.""
- 2 reach a decision wordnet
- 3 To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean. intransitive
"Upon my ſoul, / You may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpoſe / To me but nobly;[…]"
- 4 propose or intend wordnet
- 5 To discourse. intransitive, obsolete
"Whom ouertaking, ſhe in merry ſort Them gan to bord, and purpoſe diuerſly,[…]"
Etymology
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere.
From Middle English purposen, from Old French purposer (“to propose”).
See also for "purpose"
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