datives of purpose

Noun

purpose (countable and uncountable, plural purposes)

1. The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
   • What is the purpose of your visit?

   Synonyms:

   end, point, aim

2. Function, role.
   • The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
3. (Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
   • Before being hospitalized, Thea filled her days with work that gave her life purpose. Whether it was teaching, writing, or investing in relationships, Thea was busily and actively engaged in activity that she could feel good about.2011 October 1, Sarah Jobe, Creating with God: The Holy Confusing Blessedness of Being Pregnant, Paraclete Press, →ISBN

   Synonyms:

   meaning

4. Resolution; determination.
   • […]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout...1620, Giovanni Bocaccio, translated by John Florio, The Decameron, Containing an Hundred Pleaſant Nouels: Wittily Diſcourſed, Betweene Seuen Honourable Ladies, and Three Noble Gentlemen, Isaac...

   Synonyms:

   determination, intention, resolution

5. (obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
   • […]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, Much Adoe about Nothing. […], quarto edition, London: […] V[alentine] S[immes] for Andrew Wise, and William Aspley, published 1600, →OCLC, [Act II...

   Synonyms:

   matter, subject, topic

See all 8 meanings of purpose