Definition of: purpose

(pûr′pəs) v.t. & v.i. ·posed, ·pos·ing
To have the intention of doing or accomplishing (something); intend; aim; design.
—noun
1. The idea or ideal kept before the mind as an end of effort or action; plan; design; aim.
2. The particular thing to be effected or attained; practical advantage or result; consequence; use: words to little purpose.
3. Settled resolution; determination; constancy.
4. Purport; intent, as of spoken or written language.
5. A proposition; proposal; question at issue.
—on purpose With previous design; intentionally. [<OF porposer, var of proposer. See PROPOSE.] Synonyms (noun): aim, design, determination, drift, end, intent, intention, meaning, motive, object, plan, project, purport, resolution, resolve, view. Compare AIM, CAUSE, DESIGN, END, IDEA, PLAN, PROJECT, REASON, SERVICE. Antonyms: See synonyms for ACT. Synonyms (verb): design, determine, intend, mean, propose, resolve. See PROPOSE.