[syn: purpose, resolve]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb.
n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]
1. To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.]
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2. To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon,
as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to
design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or
dependent clause. --Chaucer.
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Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak.
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I purpose to write the history of England from the
accession of King James the Second down to a time
which is within the memory of men still living.
--Macaulay.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purpose \Pur"pose\, n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L.
propositum. See Propound.]
1. That which a person sets before himself as an object to be
reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view
is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim;
design; intention; plan.
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He will his firste purpos modify. --Chaucer.
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As my eternal purpose hath decreed. -- Milton.
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The flighty purpose never is o'ertook
Unless the deed go with it. --Shak.
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2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L'Estrange.
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In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous
design; with the mind directed to that object;
intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used.
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Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purpose \Pur"pose\, v. i.
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.]
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
purpose
n 1: an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your
planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new
translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was
created with the conscious aim of answering immediate
needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: purpose,
intent, intention, aim, design]
2: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to
bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn:
function, purpose, role, use]
3: the quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
firmness of purpose; "his determination showed in his every
movement"; "he is a man of purpose" [syn: determination,
purpose]
v 1: propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: aim,
purpose, purport, propose]
2: reach a decision; "he resolved never to drink again" [syn:
purpose, resolve]