Purposely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purposely

[หˆpษœหrpษ™sli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

intentional action

Purposely means with a deliberate intention or a specific aim. When someone does something purposely, it suggests that their actions are not accidental but rather planned to achieve a certain outcome. This adverb emphasizes the conscious choice behind the action. It implies that the individual has a clear goal or purpose in mind when performing the act.

Synonyms

consciously, deliberately, intentionally, on purpose.

Examples of usage

  • She purposely avoided the topic during the discussion.
  • He purposely left early to miss the traffic.
  • They purposely designed the product to be user-friendly.
  • The student purposely ignored the instructions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that intentional actions lead to greater satisfaction, as we feel more control over our choices.
  • When people act purposely, they are often more motivated, which can improve performance in tasks.
  • Setting clear intentions or purposes is linked to increased goal achievement, as it helps focus efforts.

Cultural Context

  • In various cultures, acting purposely is embraced as a sign of maturity, as it reflects thoughtfulness and responsibility.
  • Philosophers in many societies argue about the importance of intention in ethical behavior, emphasizing that the purpose behind actions matters.
  • Many spiritual practices encourage acting purposely, highlighting mindfulness and being present in the moment.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face choices that reveal their true intentions, making 'purposely' key in storytelling.
  • Classic novels often depict protagonists who act purposely to demonstrate personal growth or moral dilemmas.
  • Writers use this concept to explore themes like free will, where characters must confront the consequences of their deliberate actions.

Origin of 'purposely'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'purpos', meaning 'a goal or intention', which itself is derived from the Latin word 'propositus', meaning 'to set forth'.
  • In the early 14th century, 'purposely' began to appear in English literature, emphasizing intentional action.
  • The suffix '-ly' was added to adjectives to turn them into adverbs in the late 15th century, expanding the languageโ€™s expressive capabilities.

The word 'purposely' is derived from the adjective 'purpose', which has its origins in the Old French term 'pourposer' meaning 'to place forth' or 'to propose'. The root of 'purpose' can be traced back to the Latin 'propositus', the past participle of 'proponere', which means 'to put forth or propose'. The modern use of 'purposely' as an adverb emerged around the early 18th century as a way to express intentionality in actions. Over time, 'purposely' evolved to convey not just intention, but also the idea of determination and focus in achieving a specific goal. Its use has permeated various contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing, emphasizing the thoughtfulness behind one's actions.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,882, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.