Purposely
/ˈpɜːrpəsli/
Definitions
In a way that is intended or planned; deliberately.
/ˈpɜːrpəsli/
With the intention of doing something
She purposely avoided eye contact.
💡 Simply: It means you did something on purpose! Like, you *meant* to do it, and it wasn't an accident. Imagine you purposely spill your juice because you don't like it.
👶 For kids: It means you did something on purpose, because you wanted to!
More Examples
He purposely left the door open to let the cat out.
The company purposely delayed the announcement to increase anticipation.
How It's Used
"The dog purposely knocked over the vase."
"The defendant acted purposely with full awareness of the consequences."
From "purpose" + "-ly". "Purpose" comes from Old French "purpose" (intention, aim), from "proposer" (to intend, propose), from Latin "propositum" (a thing proposed, design), past participle of "proponere" (to set forth, propose). The suffix "-ly" indicates an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
The word 'purposely' has been in use since the late 16th century. Its use has remained relatively consistent over time, although the frequency of its use has slightly increased in modern texts.
Memory tip
Think of a planned trip – you go there purposely (with a purpose).