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Definition of purpose - 4 dictionary results
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pur⋅pose

  [pur-puhs] noun, verb, -posed, -pos⋅ing.
Use purpose in a Sentence
–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.
—Idioms
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

Synonyms:
1. object, point, rationale. See intention. 7. mean, contemplate, plan.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pur·pose   (pûr'pəs)   
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.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

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/ adjective —pur·pose·ful·ly adverb —pur·pose·ful·ness noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

purpose

see at cross purposes; for all intents and purposes; on purpose; serve a purpose; to good purpose; to little or no purpose.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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