pur·pose 
/ˈpɚpəs/ noun
plural pur·pos·es /ˈpɚpəs/ noun 1 [count] : the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something
▪ The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists. ▪ There's little/no purpose in restarting the process. [=there is little/no reason to start the process again] ▪ These ancient mounds were probably used for ceremonial purposes. [=were probably used in ceremonies] ▪ Please keep a record of your receipts for tax/business purposes. [=for situations involving taxes/business] ▪ Everything on the boat serves a purpose. [=everything has a particular use or function] ▪ The loans are small but they serve a good purpose. ▪ We were happy to know that the money was being used for a good purpose. [=for something useful, important, etc.] ▪ She used her skills to (no) good purpose. [=she used her skills in a way that was (not) good or helpful] ▪ Changes had suddenly been made for no apparent purpose. [=for no clear reason] ▪ For the purpose(s) of this discussion, let's assume that sales will increase next year. 2 [noncount] : the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something
▪ She wrote with purpose. [=she knew exactly what she wanted to write] ▪ Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning. ▪ He was a man of purpose. [=he was very clear about what he wanted to do and how to do it] ▪ We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose. ▪ He showed great strength of purpose. [=he showed that he was very determined to achieve his goals] 3 [count] : the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.
▪ She knew from a young age that her sole purpose (in life) was to be a writer. [=she knew that all she wanted (in life) was to be a writer] ▪ We shared a common purpose. [=we had the same goals] ▪ He was searching for a higher purpose. [=a more meaningful reason to live, work, etc.]
▪ The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists. ▪ There's little/no purpose in restarting the process. [=there is little/no reason to start the process again] ▪ These ancient mounds were probably used for ceremonial purposes. [=were probably used in ceremonies] ▪ Please keep a record of your receipts for tax/business purposes. [=for situations involving taxes/business] ▪ Everything on the boat serves a purpose. [=everything has a particular use or function] ▪ The loans are small but they serve a good purpose. ▪ We were happy to know that the money was being used for a good purpose. [=for something useful, important, etc.] ▪ She used her skills to (no) good purpose. [=she used her skills in a way that was (not) good or helpful] ▪ Changes had suddenly been made for no apparent purpose. [=for no clear reason] ▪ For the purpose(s) of this discussion, let's assume that sales will increase next year.
▪ She wrote with purpose. [=she knew exactly what she wanted to write] ▪ Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning. ▪ He was a man of purpose. [=he was very clear about what he wanted to do and how to do it] ▪ We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose. ▪ He showed great strength of purpose. [=he showed that he was very determined to achieve his goals]
▪ She knew from a young age that her sole purpose (in life) was to be a writer. [=she knew that all she wanted (in life) was to be a writer] ▪ We shared a common purpose. [=we had the same goals] ▪ He was searching for a higher purpose. [=a more meaningful reason to live, work, etc.]
for (all) practical purposes — see 1practical
on purpose
: in a way that is planned or intended : in a deliberate way
▪ Someone set the fire on purpose. [=purposely, intentionally] ▪ I knew she hadn't done it on purpose.
▪ Someone set the fire on purpose. [=purposely, intentionally] ▪ I knew she hadn't done it on purpose.
to/for all intents and purposes — see 1intent
to the purpose
old-fashioned : appropriate to the situation
▪ He didn't say much to the purpose. [=he didn't say much that was useful or helpful]
▪ He didn't say much to the purpose. [=he didn't say much that was useful or helpful]
