Antonyms for purpose


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : pur-puhs
Phonetic Transcription : ˈpɜr pəs


Definition of purpose

Origin :
  • c.1300, "intention, aim, goal," from Anglo-French purpos, Old French porpos "aim, intention" (12c.), from porposer "to put forth," from por- "forth" (from Latin pro- "forth;" see pur-) + Old French poser "to put, place" (see pose (v.1)). On purpose "by design" is attested from 1580s; earlier of purpose (early 15c.).
  • noun intention, meaning, aim
  • noun persistence, resolve
  • noun use
  • verb intend, set sights on
Example sentences :
  • There was no thought that ye should part till you had some purpose in view.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • The purpose of his going thus far with them made itself evident.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • Upon this as a platform of purpose and of action we can stand together.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • The story will signally fail of its purpose if it does not carry its own moral with it.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • Six lines would have contained all that is in it to the purpose of my story.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • In that purpose we have been helped by achievements of mind and spirit.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • The designs of that power, dark in purpose, are clear in practice.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • England accomplished her purpose in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • Well but, methinks you say, what is all this to the purpose?
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Synonyms for purpose

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019