- 1
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.countableuncountable
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
- 2
Function, role.countableuncountable
- The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
- 3
meaning for existing or doing something.countableuncountable
- 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.
- This place gave him purpose, gave him joy. It was both his life and his lifeline and she was both thrilled and relieved that he'd recovered enough to be able to maintain the place.
- 4
Resolution; determination.countableuncountable
- Perhaps you have heard that there was once some purpose of marriage between the Duc de Joyeuse and myself; it is of that which I have to tell.
- United began with more purpose in the early phase of the second half and Liverpool were grateful for Glen Johnson's crucial block from Young's goalbound shot.
- 5
The subject of discourse; the point at issue.countableobsoleteuncountable
- […]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]
- The speech he made was so little to the purpose, that I shall not trouble my Readers with an account of it; and I believe was not so much designed by the Knight himself to inform the Court, as to give him a figure in my eye[…]
syn. goal · object · target · plan · intention · reason for doing something · aim