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9 dictionary results for: purpose
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
pur·pose       [pur-puhs] Pronunciation Key noun, verb, -posed, -pos·ing.
–noun
1.the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2.an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3.determination; resoluteness.
4.the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5.practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.
–verb (used with object)
6.to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
7.to intend; design.
8.to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.
–verb (used without object)
9.to have a purpose.
10.on purpose, by design; intentionally: How could you do such a thing on purpose?
11.to the purpose, relevant; to the point: Her objections were not to the purpose.

[Origin: 1250–1300; (n.) ME purpos < OF, deriv. of purposer, var. of proposer to propose; (v.) ME purposen < AF, OF purposer]

1. object, point, rationale. See intention. 7. mean, contemplate, plan.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
pur·pose       (pûr'pəs)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal: "And ever those, who would enjoyment gain/Must find it in the purpose they pursue" (Sarah Josepha Hale).
  2. A result or effect that is intended or desired; an intention. See Synonyms at intention.
  3. Determination; resolution: He was a man of purpose.
  4. The matter at hand; the point at issue.

tr.v.   pur·posed, pur·pos·ing, pur·pos·es
To intend or resolve to perform or accomplish.


[Middle English purpos, from Anglo-Norman, from purposer, to intend : pur-, forth (from Latin prō-; see pro-1) + poser, to put; see pose1.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
purpose 
c.1290, from O.Fr. porpos "aim, intention" (12c.), from porposer "to put forth," from por- "forth" (from L. pro- "forth") + O.Fr. poser "to put, place" (see pose). On purpose "by design" is attested from 1590; earlier of purpose (1432).

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
purpose

noun
1. an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; "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" 
2. what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn: function
3. the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose; "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose" [syn: determination

verb
1. propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: aim
2. reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again" 

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: pur·pose
Pronunciation: 'p&r-p&s
Function: noun
: an objective, effect, or result aimed at or attained; specifically : the business activity in which a corporation is chartered to engage —pur·pose·ful /-f&l/ adjectivepur·pose·ful·ly adverbpur·pose·ful·ness noun

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Purpose

Pur"pose\, n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.]

1. 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.

2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.

3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange.

In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous design; with the mind directed to that object; intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used.

Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Purpose

Pur"pose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]

1. To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.]

2. 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.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Purpose

Pur"pose\, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.

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