Purposefully: meaning, definitions and examples

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purposefully

[ˈpɜːrpəsflɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a deliberate and intentional manner

Done with a clear intention or goal in mind; intentionally and on purpose. Acting with determination and focus.

Synonyms

consciously, deliberately, intentionally, intently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
purposefully	Used when someone does something with determination and a clear aim in mind. She purposefully walked towards the stage to give her speech. The team purposefully focused on improving the project's quality.
intentionally	Refers to doing something with intention, often to achieve a specific goal. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the action is harmful. He intentionally pushed the button to trigger the alarm. They intentionally set the meeting time to suit everyone’s schedules.
deliberately	Best used when someone does something on purpose, often after careful thought. Can have a negative connotation if the action is harmful. He deliberately left the door open to let the fresh air in. She deliberately ignored his calls, which caused tension between them.
consciously	Appropriate when referring to actions or decisions made with awareness and thought. He consciously decided to eat healthier meals. She consciously avoided the topic during the meeting.
intently	Used when someone is doing something with great concentration and attention. She listened intently to the professor's lecture. He watched the game intently, not wanting to miss a single play.

Examples of usage

He purposefully ignored her comments during the meeting.
She purposefully practiced her speech before the presentation.
They purposefully chose to take the longer route to enjoy the scenic views.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

with a clear goal or intention

Having or showing determination and resolve in achieving a specific goal or purpose; intentional in one's actions.

Synonyms

conscious, deliberate, intentional, intentioned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
purposefully	When describing an action done with a clear aim or intention. She walked purposefully towards the door, clearly on a mission
intentional	When describing an action done on purpose, often to achieve a specific result. His hurtful comments were definitely intentional
deliberate	When describing an action done with careful consideration or planning, often slow and thoughtful. The committee took deliberate steps to ensure the project’s success
conscious	When describing an action done with full awareness or knowledge. He made a conscious effort to improve his diet
intentioned	Commonly used with qualifiers like 'well-' or 'ill-' to describe the nature of an action or person's objectives. She is a well-intentioned person, always trying to help others

Examples of usage

The purposefully designed logo reflected the company's values.
She gave a purposefully vague answer to avoid revealing too much information.
The purposefully chosen color scheme created a calming atmosphere.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the root 'purpose', which means a reason for doing something, combined with the suffix '-fully', indicating how something is done.
It has been used in English since the late 16th century, illustrating the growing importance of intention in action.
Similar words in different languages, like 'intencionadamente' in Spanish, also reflect this concept of doing things with purpose.

Psychology

Research shows that people who act purposefully tend to report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Setting specific goals and acting purposefully can improve motivation and lead to increased productivity.
Purposeful actions are linked to mindfulness, where being aware of one's intentions enhances decision-making.

Education

In educational settings, teaching students to act purposefully encourages critical thinking and better problem-solving skills.
Learning with a clear purpose can increase retention of information, as students connect new knowledge to their goals.
Educators emphasize the importance of purpose in learning to help students navigate their educational paths effectively.

Cultural Perspectives

Many cultures celebrate practices that embody purposeful living, such as the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai', which emphasizes living for a reason.
In various spiritual traditions, acting with purpose is seen as a path to fulfillment and harmony, guiding individuals towards their life's mission.
Art and literature often explore themes of purposefulness, highlighting characters’ journeys towards meaningful goals and resolutions.

Workplace Dynamics

Modern workplaces increasingly value purposeful engagement, as it fosters a more committed and motivated workforce.
Companies that promote purpose-driven missions report higher employee satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
Workshops on purposefulness in professional development help individuals align their careers with their values and goals.

Translations

Translations of the word "purposefully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intencionalmente

🇮🇳 जानबूझकर

🇩🇪 absichtlich

🇮🇩 dengan sengaja

🇺🇦 навмисно

🇵🇱 celowo

🇯🇵 意図的に

🇫🇷 délibérément

🇪🇸 deliberadamente

🇹🇷 kasıtlı olarak

🇰🇷 의도적으로

🇸🇦 بعمْد

🇨🇿 úmyslně

🇸🇰 úmyselne

🇨🇳 故意地

🇸🇮 namenoma

🇮🇸 viljandi

🇰🇿 қасақана

🇬🇪 განზრახ

🇦🇿 qəsdən

🇲🇽 deliberadamente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,701, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19698 tenfold
19699 sorcery
19700 multifaceted
19701 purposefully
19702 fume
19703 revitalization
19704 neurotransmitter
...