cross-purpose
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See also: cross purpose
English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Attested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’[1]
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
cross-purpose (plural cross-purposes)
- (idiomatic) A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one.
- We are working at cross-purposes here, if you're trying to reduce the count and I'm trying to increase it.
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
contrary purpose or understanding
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References[edit]
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2023), “cross”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.