Pourpose vs. Purpose — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Pourpose" is an incorrect spelling. The right spelling is "purpose," which refers to the reason or intent behind an action or existence.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Pourpose or Purpose
How to spell Purpose?
Pourpose
Incorrect Spelling
Purpose
Correct Spelling
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Recall that "pour" and "pose" are two distinct words; combining them makes no sense.
"Purpose" aligns with "propose," dropping the 'r'.
"Purpose" sounds like "porpoise" (a marine mammal), but with a "u."
Remember the phrase: "Every action has a 'purpose,' not a 'pourpose.'"
Associate "purpose" with other "pur-" beginnings, like "pure."
ADVERTISEMENT
How Do You Spell Purpose Correctly?
Incorrect: What is the pourpose of this device?
Correct: What is the purpose of this device?
Incorrect: She struggled to find her pourpose in life.
Correct: She struggled to find her purpose in life.
Incorrect: He donated money for a good pourpose.
Correct: He donated money for a good purpose.
Incorrect: The pourpose of the meeting is to discuss the new project.
Correct: The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the new project.
Incorrect: They lost sight of their original pourpose.
Correct: They lost sight of their original purpose.
Purpose Definitions
A person's sense of determination or resolve.
She approached the task with a strong purpose.
The feeling of being determined to do or achieve something.
He woke up with a clear purpose that morning.
The reason for which something is done or created.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss future plans.
The underlying scheme or plan of something.
The building was designed with a specific purpose in mind.
An intended or desired outcome.
He achieved his purpose of getting a promotion.
The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.
Function, role.
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Resolution; determination.
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
To discourse.
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.
Proposal to another; discourse.
Instance; example.
To set forth; to bring forward.
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
Purpose Meaning in a Sentence
The purpose of the exercise is to build teamwork and trust.
Finding one's purpose can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
The purpose of the new law is to protect endangered species.
He lived his life with purpose and dedication to his work.
Their organization works towards the purpose of providing education to underprivileged children.
She gave a speech on the purpose of art in society.
He questioned the purpose of his day-to-day activities and decided to make a change.
The meeting had no clear purpose, leaving participants confused.
Each character in the novel has a unique purpose and backstory.
The device serves a dual purpose: it can be used as a tablet and a laptop.
The main purpose of the study is to understand climate change effects.
The tool's purpose is not immediately apparent, but it's actually quite useful.
The purpose of meditation is to achieve inner peace and clarity.
She always approaches her projects with a clear purpose and direction.
The design's purpose is to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about mental health.
Understanding the purpose behind actions can lead to better communication.
The charity event's purpose is to raise funds for disaster relief efforts.
Determining the purpose of ancient artifacts can be challenging for archaeologists.
For the project to succeed, it must have a well-defined purpose.
Purpose Idioms & Phrases
Serve a purpose
To be useful or serve a particular function.
Every tool in this kit serves a purpose for emergency repairs.
With purpose
With a clear aim or intention.
She walked into the room with purpose, knowing exactly what she needed to do.
To no purpose
Without achieving anything; uselessly.
Arguing about it now would be to no purpose since the decision has already been made.
Of little/no purpose
Not very useful or significant.
Bringing up old disagreements now is of little purpose to resolving our current issues.
On purpose
Deliberately; not by accident.
He didn't do it on purpose, but he apologized anyway.
Fit for purpose
Suitable or good enough for a particular use or situation.
The equipment must be fit for purpose before we can start the experiment.
Purpose-driven
Motivated by or focusing on a specific goal or mission.
She's a purpose-driven leader who's committed to sustainability.
Purpose-built
Designed and made for a particular use.
The facility is a purpose-built studio for film production.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of purpose?
The root word is from the Old French "porposer" which means "to intend."
What is the verb form of purpose?
The verb form is "purpose" as in "to purpose something," although "propose" is more commonly used.
Why is it called purpose?
The word "purpose" comes from the Latin "proponere," meaning "to put forth" or "propose."
Which vowel is used before purpose?
It depends on the sentence. There's no specific vowel that always precedes "purpose."
Which preposition is used with purpose?
Common prepositions include "for," "with," and "on."
Is purpose a noun or adjective?
"Purpose" is primarily a noun but can also be a verb.
What is the pronunciation of purpose?
It is pronounced as /ˈpɜːr.pəs/.
Is purpose an abstract noun?
Yes, as it refers to a concept or idea rather than a tangible item.
Is the purpose term a metaphor?
By itself, no. But it can be used metaphorically, e.g., "He is the purpose behind our success."
What is the plural form of purpose?
The plural form is "purposes."
Is purpose a collective noun?
No, "purpose" is not a collective noun.
What is another term for purpose?
"Intent" or "intention."
What is the opposite of purpose?
Aimlessness or randomness.
What is the singular form of purpose?
The singular form is "purpose."
Which conjunction is used with purpose?
Common conjunctions like "and," "but," and "or" can be used, depending on the context.
Is purpose a negative or positive word?
Neutral; its tone is determined by context.
How do we divide purpose into syllables?
Pur-pose.
What is the first form of purpose?
As a verb, the first form is "purpose."
Is purpose a vowel or consonant?
"Purpose" is a word that contains both vowels and consonants.
Is the word purpose imperative?
No, but it can be used in an imperative sentence like "State your purpose!"
How many syllables are in purpose?
Two syllables.
What is the second form of purpose?
As a verb, the second form is "purposed."
Which article is used with purpose?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "purpose."
What is a stressed syllable in purpose?
The first syllable, "pur," is stressed.
What part of speech is purpose?
"Purpose" is primarily a noun but can also be a verb.
Which determiner is used with purpose?
Determiners like "this," "that," "my," and "their" can be used.
How is purpose used in a sentence?
Example: The main purpose of the study was to identify trends in the market.
Is purpose an adverb?
No, "purpose" is not an adverb.
Is purpose a countable noun?
Yes, e.g., "She has multiple purposes in mind."
What is the third form of purpose?
As a verb, the third form is "purposed."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lisense vs. License
Next Comparison
Outragous vs. OutrageousAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
