Definition of purpose

< purported

purposeful >

pur·pose    (pûrps) KEY 

NOUN:

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.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pur·posed, pur·pos·ing, pur·pos·es

To intend or resolve to perform or accomplish.

IDIOMS:
on purpose

Intentionally; deliberately.

to good purpose

With good results.

to little/no purpose

With few or no results.

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