WordGarden.iopurpose
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɜːpəs/
US
- /ˈpɜrpəs/
Meanings
Noun
the reason, aim, or intended use behind something
Beyond the definition
Everyone has a purpose: a reason for doing something, or a goal they are trying to reach. A carpenter builds a table to create a place where people can eat. A student studies hard to get good grades. Even small actions usually have a purpose. Sometimes that reason is clear, like wanting to help others. Other times, it is something we discover along the way, like a talent or passion that gives our lives meaning. Think of a ship setting sail. It has a destination, and there is a reason for the journey.
The word "purpose" refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or the intention behind an action. It's about having a goal, a direction, and a sense of meaning. For example: "Her purpose in life was to become a doctor," or "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project."
Purpose isn't always grand or obvious. A simple act like baking cookies can have the purpose of bringing joy to others. It's about what motivates us, what drives our actions, and what gives them significance.
We often talk about finding your "life purpose," which is a deeper exploration of what truly matters to you – your values, passions, and how you want to contribute to the world. This can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery.
Purpose also applies to objects. A tool has a purpose (to help us accomplish a task), and an organization has a purpose (its mission or goal). "The charity's purpose is to provide shelter for the homeless."
Sometimes, "purpose" can be used in a slightly different way – to express determination or resolve. You might say someone acted "with purpose," meaning they were focused and determined in their actions.
Less commonly, "purpose" can also be a verb. In that use, it means to intend or plan to do something. For example, "She purposed to return the next day." This use is correct, but it is much less common in everyday English than the noun form.
So whether it's a grand life goal, a simple intention, or the function of an object, purpose is all about having a reason for being, doing, or existing – a driving force that gives direction and meaning to our lives.
Examples
- 1
Meeting aim
The purpose of the meeting is to decide on a budget.
- 2
Single function
This tool was designed for one purpose: saving time.
- 3
Business use
The room is used for business purposes during the week.
- Phrasebusiness purposes
business-related uses
- 4
Intentional action
He knocked over my coffee on purpose.
- Phraseon purpose
intentionally, not by accident
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Usefulness
The extra forms don't seem to serve any real purpose.
- Phraseserve a purpose
be useful or have a function
- 6
Life direction
After she retired, she missed the sense of purpose her job had given her.
- Phrasea sense of purpose
a feeling that your life has a clear direction
- 7
Policy aim
The new policy was introduced for the purpose of reducing waste.
- Usagefor the purpose of
with the aim of; a formal expression
- 8
Determined movement
She walked into the interview room with purpose.
- Phrasewith purpose
in a confident, determined way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- on purpose
- for the purpose of
- serve a purpose
- sense of purpose
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- purposenounverb
Forms
- purposespluralnounverb
- purposedpast tenseverbnoun
- purposing-ing formverbnoun