purpose Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
aim; intention; design; intent.
- his intent was to provide a new translation
- good intentions are not enough
- it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
- he made no secret of his designs
noun what something is used for
function; use; role.
- the function of an auger is to bore holes
- ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
noun the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
determination.
- his determination showed in his every movement
- he is a man of purpose
verb propose or intend
aim; propose; purport.
- I aim to arrive at noon
verb reach a decision
resolve.
- he resolved never to drink again

OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.

That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify. Chaucer.

As my eternal purpose hath decreed. Milton.

The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the deed go with it. Shak.
Proposal to another; discourse. Obs. Spenser.
Instance; example. Obs. L'Estrange. Syn. -- design; end; intention; aim. See Design.

OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.

imperfect & past participle Purposed ; present participle & verbal noun Purposing

To set forth; to bring forward. Obs.
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause. Chaucer.
Did nothing purpose against the state. Shak.

I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living. Macaulay.