I. ˈpərpəs, ˈpə̄p-, ˈpəip- noun
( plural purposes -pəsə̇s, in rapid speech sometimes -psə̇z)
Etymology: Middle English porpos, purpos, from Old French, from porposer to purpose
1.
a. : something that one sets before himself as an object to be attained : an end or aim to be kept in view in any plan, measure, exertion, or operation : design
it was our purpose to get home before the storm
his purpose was above reproach
b. : resolution , determination
infirm of purpose — Shakespeare
2. : an object, effect, or result aimed at, intended, or attained
energy applied to little purpose
3. : a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution
4. obsolete
a.
(1) : proposal , proposition
(2) purposes plural : a game like conundrums or riddles
b. : discourse , talk , conversation
c. : purport , intent , meaning
5. : an old Scots dance in which the couples talked together in an affectedly secretive manner
Synonyms: see intention
•
- in purpose
- of purpose
- on purpose
- to the purpose
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English purposen, from Middle French purposer, porposer, from Old French, modification (influenced by poser to put, place) of Latin proponere to put forward, propose — more at propose
transitive verb
1. : to propose as an aim to oneself : determine upon : resolve to do or bring about
did nothing purpose against the state — Shakespeare
purposing to write an account of the tragedy
2. obsolete : to set forth : propound
3. obsolete : design , destine
intransitive verb
1. : to have a purpose
2. obsolete : to proceed to a destination : to be bound for some place
3. obsolete : discourse , talk
Synonyms: see intend