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Definition purpose in British English

purpose noun

noun
/ˈpɜː(r)pəs/
1

the aim that someone wants to achieve, or that something is intended to achieve

Example

I use my boat mainly for leisure purposes.

Example

The purpose of this dictionary is to help students of English.

Example

The President's trip will have the purpose of negotiating a peace deal.

Example

He went there for the purpose of making business contacts.

Example

Her sole purpose in being here was to kill some time.

Example

You must decide which method suits your purpose best.

Example

Another meeting would serve absolutely no purpose.

Example

Exercising for too long defeats the purpose of doing exercise in the first place.

Synonyms and related words
2

an aim or meaning in your life because there is something that you want to achieve

Example

Now his life lacks purpose.

Example

The course gave her a new sense of purpose.

Synonyms and related words
3

to fit or suit someone's purpose

Example

The new multicooker serves my purpose perfectly.

4

to use something in such a way that it will be helpful or useful

Example

We need to know how to use our available resources to good purpose.

5

to be to someone's advantage/benefit

Example

Regular reading is not only to good effect for your mind but also works to good purpose for your success as a journalist of repute.

Definition purpose in British English