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Definition of purposefully

purposefully

/ˈpɝː.pəs.fə.li/
pur · pose · ful · ly
Adjective:purposeful
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purposefully Lexical Profile

purposefully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a way that shows determination, resolve, and a clear sense of purpose or direction.

Example

"She walked purposefully toward the front of the auditorium to deliver her keynote address."

2

With conscious intent; deliberately or on purpose rather than by accident.

Example

"The architect purposefully left the brick walls exposed to preserve the building's industrial character."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for purposefully
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Careful writers distinguish 'purposefully' from 'purposely': 'purposefully' emphasizes acting with determination, resolve, and a clear goal in mind (e.g., 'she strode purposefully to the podium'), whereas 'purposely' simply means intentionally or not by accident.

• Rhymes for purposefully

• Nearby Words

purportedly
purpose
purposeful
purposefully
purposefulness
purposeless
purposelessly

Cite this Entry

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