for all intents and purposes

English

Alternative forms

• to all intents and purposes (UK)
• sometimes misconstructed as "for all intensive purposes".

Etymology

1500s, English law, originally “to all intents, constructions, and purposes” (found in an act adopted under Henry VIII in 1547).

Prepositional phrase

for all intents and purposes

1. (idiomatic, US) For every functional purpose; in every practical sense; in every important respect; practically speaking.

   For all intents and purposes the case is closed.

   This treaty is for all intents and purposes no longer viable.

Synonyms

• effectively, essentially, in essence, in effect, practically, virtually