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Purposefulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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purposefulness

 

[ ˈpɜːr.pəs.fəl.nəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

intention, focus, determination

Purposefulness refers to the quality of having a clear and definite intention or goal. It implies a strong sense of direction and motivation in one’s actions and decisions. This trait is often associated with individuals who are committed to achieving specific objectives.

Synonyms

determination, goal-oriented, intentionality, resolve

Examples of usage

  • Her purposefulness in pursuing her career inspired her colleagues.
  • The team’s purposefulness helped them to complete the project efficiently.
  • He approached his studies with great purposefulness, determined to excel.

Etymology

The word 'purposefulness' is derived from the noun 'purpose,' which originates from the Old French 'porpos,' meaning 'goal, aim, intention.' It was influenced by the Latin 'propositus,' the past participle of 'proponere,' which means 'to propose.' The suffix '-ness' is a common English ending, used to form nouns indicating a state or condition, which adds the meaning of 'having the quality of' to the root word. The use of 'purpose' has evolved over centuries, expanding beyond mere intention to encompass a sense of direction, commitment, and clarity that characterizes purposeful actions. Thus, 'purposefulness' embodies the essence of living and acting with intention, a concept that has gained increasing recognition in motivational and personal development literature.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,941 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.