Added 8 October 2026
purpose
/ˈpɜː.pəs/ noun
In Latin: propositum Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about purpose at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
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Function, role.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
- Resolution; determination.
verb
Origin
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere. By surface analysis, pur- + pose (“halt, pause, put, place”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)