purpose

From Wiktionary

Contents 1 Pronunciation 2 Noun 2.1 Synonyms 2.2 Related words

[change] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpɜrpəs/
• SAMPA: /"p3rp@s/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[change] Noun

Singular purpose

Plural purposes

1. A purpose is reason for doing something or for existing.

   Coal is used for only three purposes: heating houses, generating electricity and making steel.

   The main purpose of the visit was to see the new building.

[change] Synonyms

• goal
• objective

[change] Related words

• on purpose
• purposely
• cross-purposes