Purpose
/ˈpɜːr.pəs/noun
The reason for which something is done or created; an intended aim or goal.
Did you know?Purpose comes through Old French from Latin proponere, meaning “to place before,” so the word began as something set out in advance — like an intention laid on the table before action.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
proponere
“to put forth, set before, propose”
Late Latin
Latin
propositum
“a thing proposed; aim, design”
Old French
Old French
purpos
“intention, aim, object”
Middle English
English
purpose
“intention, resolve, design”
Modern English
English
purpose
“reason for which something is done; intended aim”