English · Word Candidate

purpose

/ˈpɜːpəs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: purposes · purposing · purposed

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

The end for which something is done, is made or exists.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Mục đích mà vì đó mà điều gì đó được thực hiện

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

What is the purpose of your visit?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Function, role.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Chức năng, vai trò

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

đặt mục tiêu hoặc dự định để đạt được

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xxxvi, leaf 235v Soo was Alysander purposed to ryde to london by the coūceille of sire Tristram to syre Launcelot / "So was Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

có ý định, mục đích hoặc kế hoạch

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

Upon my ſoul, / You may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpoſe / To me but nobly;[…]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “purpose” mean?

The end for which something is done, is made or exists.

Is “purpose” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.