Purposeful: meaning, definitions and examples

🎯

Add to dictionary

purposeful

[ˈpɜːrpəsfl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Having or showing determination or resolve.

Synonyms

determined, intent, resolute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
purposeful	Typically used to describe someone who has a clear and specific purpose or goal in mind and is taking steps to achieve it. She walked into the room with a purposeful stride. His work is always purposeful and methodical.
determined	Used when someone is showing a strong will to do something, often overcoming obstacles or difficulties. Despite the rain, she was determined to finish the race. He is determined to succeed no matter what.
resolute	Describes someone who is unwavering and firmly determined, often used in contexts that require firm decision-making or persistence. She remained resolute in her decision, despite the opposition. The team was resolute in their efforts to win the championship.
intent	Indicates a person's focus or concentration on a task or goal, often with seriousness and commitment. He was intent on solving the puzzle before dinner. Her face was intent as she listened to the instructions.

Examples of usage

She approached the task with a purposeful stride.
He gave her a purposeful look before making his decision.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

action

Done with a clear aim or intention.

Synonyms

calculated, deliberate, intentional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
purposeful	Best used when describing action or behavior that is full of determination and focused on achieving a specific goal. She walked with purposeful strides towards the meeting room. John's purposeful study habits helped him excel in his exams.
intentional	Used when an action is done on purpose or with a clear intention, often to differentiate from something done accidentally. His intentional omission of the fact raised some eyebrows. The design of the garden is intentional, creating a sense of tranquility.
deliberate	Appropriate for describing actions or decisions made with careful thought and intention, usually with an emphasis on the process of thinking. Her deliberate approach to problem-solving usually leads to effective solutions. They held a deliberate discussion about the company's future.
calculated	Often used to describe an action that is carefully considered or planned, sometimes with a connotation of coldness or manipulation. His calculated move in the business transaction allowed him to gain a significant advantage. The politician made a calculated decision to avoid controversy.

Examples of usage

He made purposeful movements towards the goal.
She spoke in a purposeful manner to convey her message.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the root 'purpose,' which means 'the reason for something' and the suffix '-ful,' meaning 'full of.'
It started being used in English around the late 15th century, highlighting intention.
In older texts, the concept often linked to moral or meaningful actions.

Psychology

Having a sense of purpose can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction in life according to various studies.
People who set purposeful goals tend to be more resilient and persistent in the face of challenges.
Research suggests that purposeful individuals experience lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Education

Purposeful education emphasizes learning that connects with students’ interests and future goals.
Teachers aim to create learning experiences that help students develop a sense of purpose in their studies.
In curriculum design, purposeful activities are intended to engage students actively in their own learning process.

Pop Culture

Many self-help books and motivational speakers focus on finding one’s purpose and living a purposeful life.
In movies, characters often embark on journeys of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose.
Songs that inspire passion and commitment often resonate with the concept of living purposefully.

Philosophy

Purposefulness has been a topic of discussion in philosophy, questioning what it means to live a meaningful life.
Various philosophical schools, like existentialism, focus on individual purpose as a cornerstone of human experience.
The ancient Greeks debated the concept of purpose, associating it with virtue and the good life.

Translations

Translations of the word "purposeful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 determinado

🇮🇳 उद्देश्यपूर्ण (uddeshyapūrṇa)

🇩🇪 zielstrebig

🇮🇩 tujuan

🇺🇦 цілеспрямований

🇵🇱 celowy

🇯🇵 目的のある (mokuteki no aru)

🇫🇷 délibéré

🇪🇸 decidido

🇹🇷 amaçlı

🇰🇷 목적이 있는 (mokjeog-i issneun)

🇸🇦 هادِف (hādif)

🇨🇿 účelový

🇸🇰 účelový

🇨🇳 有目的的 (yǒu mùdì de)

🇸🇮 namenoma

🇮🇸 ákveðinn

🇰🇿 мақсатты

🇬🇪 მიზანმიმართული (mizamnimaluli)

🇦🇿 məqsədli

🇲🇽 decidido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,751, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14748 handicaps
14749 youngster
14750 parentage
14751 purposeful
14752 ace
14753 dashing
14754 pap
...