purpose

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the quality of being determined to do or achieve something

   firmness of purpose

2. 2
   noun

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

   What is the purpose of your visit?

3. 3
   noun

   Function, role.

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

4. 4
   noun

   meaning for existing or doing something.

   Before being hospitalized, Thea filled her days with work that gave her life purpose. Whether it was teaching, writing, or investing in relationships, Thea was busily and actively engaged in activity that she could feel good about.

5. 5
   noun

   Resolution; determination.

   […]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout ſuſpition, no doubt to their equall ioy and contentment.

6. 6
   noun

   The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

   […]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]

7. 7
   verb

   To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

   1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xxxvi, leaf 235v Soo was Alysander purposed to ryde to london by the coūceille of sire Tristram to syre Launcelot / "So was Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot."

8. 8
   verb

   To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

   Upon my ſoul, / You may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpoſe / To me but nobly;[…]

Etymology

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”).