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purpose |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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.] 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. Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak. 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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 He will his firste purpos modify. --Chaucer. As my eternal purpose hath decreed. -- Milton. The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the deed go with it --Shak. 2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. 3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange. {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 Syn: design; end intention; aim See {Design}. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: purpose n 1: an anticipated outcome that is intended or guides your planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: {intent}, {intention}, {aim}, {design}] 2: what something is used for "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn: {function}, {role}, {use}] 3: the quality of being determined to do or achieve something "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose" [syn: {determination}] v 1: propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: {aim}, {purport}, {propose}] 2: reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again" [syn: {resolve}]
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