purpose
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈpɜrpəs/, SAMPA: /"p3rp@s/
- Audio (US)help, file
[edit] Etymology 1
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“‘to propose’”), from Latin prō (“‘forth’”) + pausāre, present active infinitive of pausō (“‘halt, cease, pause’”).
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
purpose (plural purposes)
- An object to be reached; a target; an aim; a goal.
- A result that is desired; an intention.
- The act of intending to do something; resolution; determination.
- The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
- The reason for which something is done, or the reason it is done in a particular way.
[edit] Synonyms
- (target): aim, goal, object, target
- (intention): aim, plan, intention
- (determination): determination, intention, resolution
- (subject of discourse): matter, subject, topic
- (reason for doing something): reason
- See also Wikisaurus:goal
[edit] Derived terms
terms derived from purpose
[edit] Translations
target
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intention
determination
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subject of discourse
reason for doing something
to be checked
- German: Zweck m.
[edit] Etymology 2
From Middle English purposen, from Old French purposer (“‘to propose’”)
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to purpose (third-person singular simple present purposes, present participle purposing, simple past and past participle purposed)
- (transitive) Have set as one's purpose; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
- (transitive) (passive) Designed for some purpose.
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
have set as one's purpose; intend
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passive: designed for some purpose