Langimage
English

purposely

|pur-pose-ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈpɜːrpəsli/

🇬🇧

/ˈpɜːpəsli/

(purpose)

intention or aim

Base FormPluralAdjectiveAdverb
purposepurposespurposefulpurposefully
Etymology
Etymology Information

'purposely' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'purposely,' where 'purpose' meant 'intention or aim.'

Historical Evolution

'purposely' changed from the Middle English word 'purposely' and has remained largely unchanged in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'with intention or aim,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

intentionally; with a deliberate aim or purpose.

She purposely left the door open.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41