A2noun 1K

Purpose

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpɜːpəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpɜːrpəs/"]/

Meaning of Purpose

the intention, aim or function of something; the thing that something is supposed to achieve

In simple words: The reason for doing something or what something is meant to do.

Purpose in a sentence

• The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.
• He searched for the purpose of life among various philosophies.
• Every object has a purpose, even if we do not always understand it.
• The purpose of this exercise is to improve your vocabulary skills.
• They built the community center with the purpose of helping local families.

How to use Purpose

Use 'purpose' when discussing goals, intentions, or functions. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual chats where simpler words like 'reason' might work better.

Grammar pattern

have + purpose

Memory hint

Think of 'purpose' as 'pursue a goal'. Both words start with 'pur'.

Related words

Collocations with Purpose

• limited
• chief
• main
• have
• lack
• accomplish
• for a/​the purpose
• on purpose
• at cross purposes
• for the express purpose of something
• with the express purpose of something
• limited
• chief
• main
• have
• lack
• accomplish
• for a/​the purpose
• on purpose
• at cross purposes
• for the express purpose of something
• with the express purpose of something
• limited
• chief
• main
• have
• lack
• accomplish
• for a/​the purpose
• on purpose
• at cross purposes
• for the express purpose of something
• with the express purpose of something

Synonyms for Purpose

• determination

Opposites of Purpose

• aimlessness
• meaninglessness

Common mistakes with Purpose

• Confused with 'pose' — don't mix the two words.
• Using 'purposed' as the past tense — 'purposed' is incorrect.
• Incorrectly using 'purpose' as a verb — it is a noun.

Frequently asked questions about Purpose

What does Purpose mean?

The reason for doing something or what something is meant to do.

What is the definition of Purpose?

the intention, aim or function of something; the thing that something is supposed to achieve

How do you use Purpose in a sentence?

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.

Can you give another example of Purpose?

He searched for the purpose of life among various philosophies.

What are synonyms for Purpose?

Common alternatives include determination.

What is the opposite of Purpose?

Opposite meanings include aimlessness, meaninglessness.

What words go with Purpose?

It commonly pairs with limited, chief, main, have, lack, accomplish, for a/​the purpose, on purpose, at cross purposes, for the express purpose of something, with the express purpose of something, limited, chief, main, have, lack, accomplish, for a/​the purpose, on purpose, at cross purposes, for the express purpose of something, with the express purpose of something, limited, chief, main, have, lack, accomplish, for a/​the purpose, on purpose, at cross purposes, for the express purpose of something, with the express purpose of something.

What are common mistakes when using Purpose?

Confused with 'pose' — don't mix the two words. Using 'purposed' as the past tense — 'purposed' is incorrect. Incorrectly using 'purpose' as a verb — it is a noun.

How do you pronounce Purpose?

US: /["/ˈpɜːrpəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpɜːpəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Purpose?

Use 'purpose' when discussing goals, intentions, or functions. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual chats where simpler words like 'reason' might work better.

What CEFR level is Purpose?

"Purpose" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.