purpose

SayPUR-puhs/ˈpɝpəs/UK/ˈpɜːpəs/

6 meanings of purpose

1
aimnouncountable
The reason something is done or made, or what it is used for.
Like the reason a key exists: to open a lock.
The purpose of a fire alarm is to warn people of danger.
She built the shed without any real purpose in mind.
UsageSay the purpose of something. On purpose means you meant to do it.
2
meaning in lifenoununcountable
The feeling that your life or actions have real meaning.
Like a compass that gives your life a direction to follow.
After volunteering at the shelter, she finally felt a sense of purpose.
Losing his job left him searching for purpose.
UsageSay a sense of purpose or give your life purpose, with no a before purpose.
Similarmeaning
3
determinationnoununcountable
A strong will to do something and not give up.
Like a runner who keeps going even when very tired.
She walked into the room with great purpose.
He spoke with such purpose that everyone listened.
UsageOften with purpose or with great purpose, about how someone acts.
Similardetermination, resolve, resolution, drive, commitment
Oppositeindecision, irresolution
Note

Less common meanings

4
intendverbliterarytransitive
To plan or mean to do something.
Like setting a goal in your mind and deciding to reach it.
I purpose in my heart to follow what is right.
She purposed in her heart to forgive the man who hurt her.
UsageUsed as purpose to do something. In everyday English, say intend to or plan to.
Note
5
nounobsoleteuncountable
The main topic that people are talking about.
Note
6
verbobsoleteintransitive
To talk or chat with other people.
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–3, 5

It came through Old French from Latin words meaning 'forth' and 'to place or put'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Purpose came through Old French from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin elements mean 'forth' and 'to place or put'. en.wiktionary.org

Meanings 4, 6

It came from an Old French word meaning 'to propose'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

The verb purpose derives from an Old French word meaning 'to propose'. en.wiktionary.org