# purpose

Pronunciation: say "PUR-puhs" US /ˈpɝpəs/, UK /ˈpɜːpəs/

## Noun

1. The aim an action is meant to achieve, or the reason or function for which something is made or exists.
   - Simple: The reason something is done or made, or what it is used for.
   - _The purpose of the meeting was to settle the budget dispute._
   - _Engineers debated what purpose each component served in the design._
2. A sense that one's life or actions carry meaning and direction.
   - Simple: The feeling that your life or actions have real meaning.
   - _Caring for the rescued animals gave him a renewed sense of purpose._
   - _Many people find purpose through their relationships and their work._
3. Firm determination or resolve to achieve something.
   - Simple: A strong will to do something and not give up.
   - _The team pursued the championship with unwavering purpose._
   - _Her every move showed quiet purpose and resolve._

## Verb

4. To intend or plan to do something, having set it as one's aim. *(literary)*
   - Simple: To plan or mean to do something.
   - _Long before the war ended, the old poet had purposed to return to the valley where he was born, and he kept that vow._
   - _Whatever trials may come, I purpose to stand by my word and keep faith with those who trusted me._

## Noun

5. The subject of discussion; the matter at issue. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: The main topic that people are talking about.

## Verb

6. To talk or hold a conversation. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To talk or chat with other people.

## Origin

**Meanings 1–3, 5** — From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer ('to propose'), which was based on the Latin prōpōnere, formed from prō- ('forth') plus pōnere ('to place, put').
**Meanings 4, 6** — From Middle English purposen, from Old French purposer ('to propose').

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/purpose (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).