Purpose: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฏ
purpose
[หpษหpษs ]
Definitions
general
The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
Synonyms
goal, motive, objective, reason.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| purpose |
Suitable for describing the overall intention or aim behind an action or thing. Often used in formal and professional contexts.
|
| reason |
Describes the explanation or justification for why something happens or is done. Can be used in any context, from casual to formal.
|
| motive |
Refers to the reason or driving force behind someone's actions. Often used in more psychological or investigative contexts and can carry a negative connotation.
|
| objective |
Used to describe a specific, measurable, and time-bound target. Commonly used in business, academic, and project management contexts.
|
| goal |
Used to describe a specific target or end point that one aims to achieve. Often used in personal development, sports, business, and academic contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the new project.
- Her purpose in life is to help others.
- The main purpose of the research is to find a cure for the disease.
formal
Have as one's intention or objective.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| purpose |
Used when talking about the reason something is done or created, or the goal someone wants to achieve.
|
| intend |
Utilized when discussing what someone plans to do or achieve, implying a sense of commitment or determination.
|
| plan |
Refers to a detailed proposal or blueprint for achieving something, often involving multiple steps or stages.
|
| aim |
Employed to denote a goal or objective someone is trying to achieve, often in a more general or long-term sense.
|
| propose |
Typically used when suggesting a course of action or an idea for consideration, often in a formal or public setting.
|
Examples of usage
- She purposed to visit her grandmother every week.
- He purposed to finish the project by the end of the month.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'purpose' comes from the Old French term 'porposer', which means to propose or to put forth.
- In Latin, it is derived from 'proponere', meaning 'to put forth', tying the concept to intention and planning.
Psychology
- Studies show that having a clear sense of purpose can lead to better mental health and increased happiness.
- Purpose can significantly impact life satisfaction, often correlating with lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Philosophy
- Many philosophers assert that understanding one's purpose is crucial for achieving fulfillment and making meaningful choices.
- Existentialists emphasize that individuals must create their own purpose, especially in a world that lacks inherent meaning.
Pop Culture
- In the film 'The Pursuit of Happyness', the main characterโs journey illustrates the powerful role of purpose in overcoming hardships.
- Songwriters often explore themes of purpose in music, as artists like John Mayer and Alanis Morissette address personal struggles to find meaning.
Science
- Research in neuroscience suggests that having goals, which stem from oneโs purpose, can lead to a release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain.
- Animal behavior studies reveal that many species exhibit behaviors driven by instinctual purposes, such as survival and reproduction.
Translations
Translations of the word "purpose" in other languages:
๐ต๐น propรณsito
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฆเฅเคฆเฅเคถเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Zweck
๐ฎ๐ฉ tujuan
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ cel
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฎ็๏ผใใใฆใ๏ผ
๐ซ๐ท but
- objectif
- intention
๐ช๐ธ propรณsito
๐น๐ท amaรง
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ชฉ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบุฑุถ
๐จ๐ฟ รบฤel
๐ธ๐ฐ รบฤel
๐จ๐ณ ็ฎ็ (mรนdรฌ)
๐ธ๐ฎ namen
๐ฎ๐ธ tilgangur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐาัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mษqsษd
๐ฒ๐ฝ propรณsito