purpose
noun
uk/ˈpɜːpəs/ us [ C ]
the reason for doing something or the reason that something exists:
sb's purpose in doing sth My purpose in calling this meeting was to remind everyone of some basic rules.
with/for the purpose of (doing) sth He learnt Chinese for the express purpose of starting a business there.
I went to the conference with the sole purpose of advertising our services.
for tax/business/insurance purposes He pays himself a small salary for tax purposes.
I can see no useful purpose in speaking to him again.
You need to assure shareholders that their investment is being used to good purpose.
[ U ]
determination or a feeling of having a reason for what you do:
You need a strong sense of purpose to start your own company.
[ C ]
a need of a particular person or organization:
We haven't yet managed to find new premises that are suitable for our purposes.
This fabric isn't ideal, but it will serve our purposes.
See also
general-purpose
multi-purpose
on purpose
intentionally, not by accident:
I know you didn't delete the database on purpose, but please be more careful.
serve a purpose
to have a use:
These small village shops serve a very useful purpose.
be to no purpose
to be completely unsuccessful:
All my efforts were to no purpose.