Purpose
/ˈpɜːrpəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
/ˈpɜːrpəs/
The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
The primary purpose of education is to equip students with knowledge and skills.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. The purpose of building it is to have something fun to play with. Purpose is like the 'why' behind doing something.
👶 For kids: The reason you do something.
More Examples
The purpose of the investigation was to determine the cause of the accident.
His purpose in life was to help others.
How It's Used
"The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the new project."
"The company's purpose is to provide innovative solutions."
To intend or plan something; to set as a goal.
/pərˈpɜːs/
Have as one's intention or plan.
She purposed to finish the marathon.
💡 Simply: Imagine you 'purpose' to bake a cake. That means you're planning to bake a cake because that's your goal. It's like deciding on a goal and acting upon it.
👶 For kids: To decide to do something.
More Examples
The company purposed to increase sales by 10 percent.
He purposed to visit his family next weekend.
How It's Used
"The author purposed to write a sequel."
"They purposed a new policy."
Idioms & expressions
serve a purpose
To have a useful function or reason to exist.
"The old map still serves a purpose in the museum."
From Middle English *purpos*, from Old French *porpos* ('intent, aim'), from *porposer* ('to intend'), from *proposer* ('to propose').
Used since the 13th century, initially with the meaning of 'intention' or 'design'. It became more commonly associated with a defined objective over time.
Memory tip
Think of the 'per' in purpose as representing 'perfection' which implies a goal, or reason.
Word Origin
"intention, design, or aim"