purpose means the end for which something is done, is made or exists.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, purpose ranks #1,537 of 14,308 for Most Malleable Words, #2,382 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words, #7,102 of 14,448 for Funniest Words, #7,152 of 14,445 for Most Beautiful Words.
purpose is pronounced /ˈpɝpəs/.
Why “purpose” is a great word
The fundamental reason for which something is done, created, or exists. From Middle English *purpos*, from Old French *purposer* ("to propose"), altered by analogy with *poser* ("to place"), from Latin *prō-* ("forth") + *pōnere* ("to place, put"), hence from Latin *prōpōnere* ("to set forth, propose"). Unlike "goal," which denotes a measurable endpoint of effort, or "intention," which focuses on the mental plan to act, purpose is the deeper, often silent *why* that imbues action with meaning. It is the keystone placed to hold an arch aloft, the north star plotted for a night voyage, the quiet conviction in a hand that plants an oak sapling—the persistent gravity that resists the static of entropy.
Etymology
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere. By surface analysis, pur- + pose (“halt, pause, put, place”).
noun
- The end for which something is done, is made or exists.“What is the purpose of your visit?”
- Function, role.“The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.”
- meaning for existing or doing something.“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.”
- Resolution; determination.“[…]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout ſuſpition, no doubt to their equall ioy and contentment.”
- The subject of discourse; the point at issue.“[…]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]”
verb
- To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.“1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xxxvi, leaf 235v
Soo was Alysander purposed to ryde to london by the coūceille of sire Tristram to syre Launcelot /
"So was Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot."”
- To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.“Upon my ſoul, / You may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpoſe / To me but nobly;[…]”
- To discourse.“Whom ouertaking, ſhe in merry ſort
Them gan to bord, and purpoſe diuerſly,[…]”
Words closest in meaning
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