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Definition of purposeful

purposeful

/ˈpɝːpəsfəl/
pur · pose · ful
Adverb:purposefully
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purposeful Lexical Profile

purposeful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing determination or resolve; acting with a clear aim in mind.

Example

"She walked down the corridor with a purposeful stride, eager to begin the presentation."

2

Having a useful purpose; deliberate and not accidental or random.

Example

"The curriculum encourages purposeful reading rather than passive memorization."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for purposeful
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While 'purposeful' and 'purposive' are similar, 'purposeful' typically describes a person or demeanor showing firm determination, whereas 'purposive' is used primarily in academic or philosophical contexts to describe something serving a specific design or function.

• Rhymes for purposeful

• Nearby Words

purported
purportedly
purpose
purposeful
purposefully
purposefulness
purposeless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun 'purpose' (borrowed from Anglo-French 'purpos', meaning 'design' or 'intention') combined with the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Purposeful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/purposeful
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