Language Research

purpose · noun

/ˈpɜr.pəs/Full view

Word family

Nouns: purpose

Adjectives: purposeful

Adverbs: purposefully, purposely

purpose (REASON)

B1 C why you do something or why something exists

Dictionary examples:

The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss the future of the company.

The school's new lab will be used for research purposes only.

a multi-purpose kitchen knife

Learner example:

I think the purpose of it was to make the atmosphere more relax[ed]. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

on purpose

B1 intentionally

Dictionary example:

I didn't do it on purpose, it was an accident.

Learner example:

I didn't do it on purpose; it was dark and I just walked into it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

serve a/the purpose

C2 to have a use

Dictionary example:

These small community centers serve a very useful purpose.

Learner example:

They introduced meetings at Miss Kenton's parlor which were held every evening and served [the] purpose of discussing house running. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

purpose (INTENTION)

C2 U the feeling of knowing what you want to do

Dictionary example:

He seems to have lost all sense of purpose.

Learner example:

Emotional stability, a sense of purpose and direction in life, true and deep relationships with the people around us, all these issues are equally, if not more, important than economic security. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

to all intents and purposes

C2 in all the most important ways

Dictionary example:

To all intents and purposes, the project was a disaster.

Learner example:

To all intents and purposes, the qualities needed to achieve success are based on the same ideas. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)