目的の定義と意味 | Dictionary.com

PURPOSE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Synonyms purpose American [ pur -p uh s] / ˈpɜr pəs / noun the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. Synonyms: target , objective , object , rationale , point an intended or desired result; end ; aim ; goal . determination ; resoluteness. the subject in hand; the point at issue. practical result, effect, or advantage. to act to good purpose. verb (used with object) purposed, purposing to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself. to intend; design . Synonyms: plan , contemplate , mean to resolve (to do something). He purposed to change his way of life radically. verb (used without object) purposed, purposing to have a purpose. idioms on purpose , by design; intentionally . How could you do such a thing on purpose? to the purpose , relevant ; to the point. Her objections were not to the purpose. purpose British / ˈpɜːpəs / noun the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists a fixed design, outcome, or idea that is the object of an action or other effort fixed intention in doing something; determination a man of purpose practical advantage or use to work to good purpose that which is relevant or under consideration (esp in the phrase to or from the purpose ) archaic purport intentionally "Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 verb to intend or determine to do (something) "Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 purpose More Idioms see at cross purposes ; for all intents and purposes ; on purpose ; serve a purpose ; to good purpose ; to little or no purpose. Related Words See intention . Other Word Forms prepurpose verb (used with object) repurpose verb (used with object) unpurposed adjective unpurposing adjective Etymology Origin of purpose First recorded in 1250–1300; (noun) Middle English purpos, from Old French, derivative of purposer, variant of proposer “to propose ”; (verb) Middle English purposen, from Anglo-French, Old French purposer Explanation When you do something with purpose, you do it with determination. When your activities have a purpose, you have an aim or intention in mind. This noun also has a third meaning: "function, role, or use." The purpose of a fork, for instance, is to spear and scoop food from your plate, not to poke your little brother at the dinner table. Purpose can also be used as a verb meaning "to reach a decision" or "to intend," though these uses of the word are quite a bit less frequent nowadays. Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com Vocabulary lists containing purpose The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2 Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide! The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1 Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use! PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7) Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time! Example Sentences Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com. Do I work longer because I want to have more purpose and engagement? From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026 In its place was a budding love for the search for truth and beauty that math was offering, and a sense of purpose and meaning that he had not felt before. From Slate • May 2, 2026 "It's for forever. Once the asset's been secured and upgraded, it can change its purpose, but it can't change its ownership." From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026 China and India will more than make up the difference, which makes the purpose of the sacrifices moot. From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026 There’s a purpose in these things,’ Renn had said. From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver Related Words ambition aspiration desire determination direction function goal idea intent objective plan principle project reason scheme scope view wish Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023 Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.