purpose

The reason something exists or is done, or what someone wants to achieve.

• What is the purpose of this tool?
• She explained the purpose of her visit.
• These boxes serve several different purposes.

How to use it: purpose of something (What is the purpose of this button?); for the purpose of doing something (The room is used for the purpose of storing tools.)

Similar words: aim, reason, goal, function

Common phrases: purpose of something, for a purpose, serve a purpose, main purpose

The job that something does or the way it is meant to be used.

• What is the purpose of this tool?
• The old box serves a useful purpose.
• These rooms have different purposes.

How to use it: the purpose of something (The purpose of this button is to turn the lights off.)

Similar words: function, role

Common phrases: serve a purpose, main purpose, practical purpose

To decide or plan to do something.

• I purpose to leave tomorrow.
• They purposed to build a school.
• He had purposed to return before winter.

How to use it: purpose to do something (She purposed to finish the journey alone.)

Similar words: intend, plan, resolve

Common phrases: purpose to return, purpose to leave