'Purpose' definitions:

Definition of 'purpose'

(from WordNet)
noun
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: purpose, intent, intention, aim, design]
noun
What something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn: function, purpose, role, use]
noun
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose; "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose" [syn: determination, purpose]
verb
Propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: aim, purpose, purport, propose]
verb
Reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again" [syn: purpose, resolve]

Definition of 'Purpose'

From: GCIDE
  • Purpose \Pur"pose\, n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.]
  • 1. That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan. [1913 Webster]
  • He will his firste purpos modify. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • As my eternal purpose hath decreed. -- Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the deed go with it. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]
  • In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous design; with the mind directed to that object; intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Purpose'

From: GCIDE
  • Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Purpose'

From: GCIDE
  • Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]
  • 1. To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'purpose'

From: Moby Thesaurus