purpose
/ˈpɜːpəs/
noun
🇬🇧 UK
/ˈpɜːpəs/
🇺🇸 US
/ˈpɝpəs/
Meaning
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Meaning 1 · noun
An objective to be reached; a target; an aim; a goal.
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Meaning 2 · noun
A result that is desired; an intention.
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Meaning 3 · noun
The act of intending to do something; resolution; determination.
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Meaning 4 · noun
The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
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Meaning 5 · noun
The reason for which something is done, or the reason it is done in a particular way.
“The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.”
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Meaning 6 · noun
Instance; example.
How this word is used
- Everyday “The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.”
- Academic “In academic writing, “purpose” can carry a precise technical sense.”
- Business “In business contexts, “purpose” should be used only when the meaning is unambiguous.”
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Origin
Origin information unavailable.