A2 noun Neutral #365 most common

purpose

/ˈpɜːpəs/

A purpose is the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. It describes the goal or the specific intention you have when you perform an action.

Examples

3 of 5
1

What is the purpose of this plastic tool?

What is the reason for using this plastic tool?

2

The purpose of this meeting is to decide on a new manager.

The goal of this meeting is to pick a new manager.

3

I didn't break your toy on purpose!

I didn't break your toy intentionally!

Word Family

Noun
purpose
Verb
purpose
Adverb
purposely
Adjective
purposeful
Related
purposelessness
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'PRO-pose'. If you 'propose' (suggest) an idea, you must have a 'purpose' (a reason) for it.

Quick Quiz

I am so sorry I spilled the juice; I didn't do it ___ purpose.

Correct!

The correct answer is: on

Examples

1

What is the purpose of this plastic tool?

everyday

What is the reason for using this plastic tool?

2

The purpose of this meeting is to decide on a new manager.

formal

The goal of this meeting is to pick a new manager.

3

I didn't break your toy on purpose!

informal

I didn't break your toy intentionally!

4

The purpose of the experiment was to test the new medicine.

academic

The aim of the scientific test was to check the new medicine.

5

The primary purpose of our company is to help small businesses grow.

business

The main objective of our company is to help small businesses grow.

Word Family

Noun
purpose
Verb
purpose
Adverb
purposely
Adjective
purposeful
Related
purposelessness

Common Collocations

on purpose done intentionally
serve a purpose to be useful for a specific reason
main purpose the most important reason
for the purpose of with the goal of doing something
sense of purpose a feeling of having a clear goal in life

Common Phrases

on purpose

intentionally, not by accident

all-purpose

useful for many different things

to no purpose

without achieving any result; uselessly

Often Confused With

purpose vs propose

Propose is a verb meaning to suggest a plan; purpose is a noun meaning the reason for a plan.

purpose vs goal

A goal is a specific result you want to reach, while purpose is the deeper reason why you want to reach it.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'purpose' is most commonly used as a noun to explain 'why'. It is frequently used in the structure 'the purpose of [something] is to [verb]'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'by purpose' when they mean 'on purpose'. Always use 'on' when you mean something was done intentionally.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'PRO-pose'. If you 'propose' (suggest) an idea, you must have a 'purpose' (a reason) for it.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'porpos', which means an aim, intention, or a design.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: 'a purpose' or 'many purposes'. Often followed by the preposition 'of'. Commonly used with the verb 'to serve'.

Quick Quiz

I am so sorry I spilled the juice; I didn't do it ___ purpose.

Correct!

The correct answer is: on

Related Words

blacklist

B2

To put a person, organization, or country on a list of those who are considered unacceptable and should be avoided or excluded from certain activities or privileges. It is often used to describe the denial of employment, trade, or participation based on previous behavior or reputation.

blackmailer

B2

A person who demands money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal damaging secrets or private information about them. It refers to an individual who practices extortion through psychological or reputational leverage.

blackout

B2

A blackout refers to a temporary loss of electrical power over an area or a sudden failure of memory or consciousness in an individual. It can also describe a period of censorship where information or news is intentionally suppressed by an authority.

blackthorn

B2

A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree of the rose family, native to Europe and western Asia, which produces white flowers in early spring and small, bitter, dark blue fruits known as sloes. It is frequently used for creating dense, prickly hedges and is well-known for providing the wood used in traditional Irish walking sticks.

bladder

B2

To swell, puff out, or expand like a balloon, often used in technical contexts to describe membranes filling with air or liquid. Informally, it can also refer to talking at length without much substance or meaning.

blame

B2

To consider or state that someone or something is responsible for a mistake, failure, or negative situation. It involves attributing the cause of a problem to a specific person, group, or factor.

blameless

B2

Describes someone who has done nothing wrong and cannot be held responsible for a bad situation or mistake. It is often used to emphasize a person's innocence or their morally upright character.

blameworthy

B2

Deserving of blame, criticism, or censure because of wrong or negligent behavior. It is often used to describe actions or individuals that are morally or legally responsible for a negative outcome.

blandness

B2

Blandness refers to the quality of being uninteresting, dull, or lacking in strong features and characteristics. In a culinary context, it describes food that lacks flavor or seasoning, while in a general context, it describes things that are mediocre or devoid of personality.

blank

B2

Describes a surface that has no writing, images, or marks on it, or a state of mind where one cannot remember or think of anything. It is frequently used to describe paper, screens, or facial expressions that lack emotion or understanding.

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