Purposes: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to specific intentions or objectives that someone aims to achieve. Often, 'purposes' is used in a formal or official context.

• The purposes of the project are to improve community health and increase access to education.
• For tax purposes, you should keep all your receipts.

Reason is used to explain why something happens or why someone does something. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• The reason for the delay was heavy traffic.
• He had a good reason for not attending the meeting.

Motive is used when discussing the underlying reasons or desires that drive someone's actions, often in contexts involving psychology, crime, or analyzing behavior.

• The detective tried to understand the suspect's motive for committing the crime.
• Her motive for volunteering was to gain more experience in the medical field.

This term is often used when talking about personal ambitions or achievements, usually in a structured or measurable way. It is common in both personal and professional development.

• Her main goal is to run a marathon by next year.
• Our team's goal this quarter is to increase sales by 20%.

Used to talk about the reasons or intentions behind actions. Often used in formal contexts or explanations.

• She outlined the purposes of the new project.
• For security purposes, we cannot disclose those details.

Imply a person's determination or plan to do something. Used when talking about someone's specific plans or actions.

• I intend to finish the report by Monday.
• She intends to travel to Europe next summer.

Refers to a detailed proposal for achieving something. Can be used in both everyday conversations and formal contexts.

• We need to make a plan for the new product launch.
• Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Refers to the goal or objective someone is trying to achieve. Used in both formal and informal situations.

• His main aim is to become a doctor.
• The campaign's aim is to raise awareness about climate change.