purpose

CEFRA2

/ˈpɝpəs/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    The reason why something is done or exists.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    Function, role.

Examples

  • Despite the importance of sleep, its purpose is a mystery.

  • Many people drift through life without a purpose.

At a glance

Sits at A2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˈpɜ.poʊs/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. meaning for existing or doing something.

  2. The end for which something is done, is made or exists.

  3. Resolution; determination.

More examples

In context

  • Our campaign's main purpose is to raise money.

  • The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

  • The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The organizers planned every detail with a clear blank, which was to raise money for charity.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere. By surface analysis, pur- + pose (“halt, pause, put, place”).