Purpose vs. Important — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Purpose" refers to the reason or intent behind an action or existence, while "important" describes the significance or value of something.
Difference Between Purpose and Important
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purpose is fundamentally about the underlying reason why something is done or exists, such as the purpose of an organization being to serve its community. On the other hand, something important carries weight, relevance, or value in a given context, like an important decision affecting many people.
The concept of purpose can provide direction and meaning, guiding actions and decisions towards a specific goal or outcome. Whereas, the term important is used to prioritize aspects or elements based on their impact or necessity in achieving objectives or maintaining well-being.
When discussing objectives, the purpose of a project might be to improve efficiency, setting a clear goal for its existence. In contrast, important aspects of the project might include key resources or critical timelines essential for its success.
In personal or philosophical contexts, one's life purpose can be a deep, existential quest related to personal fulfillment or societal contribution. Conversely, important elements in one's life might include health, relationships, or career, which are significant but not necessarily tied to life’s purpose.
Literature and speeches often use the term "purpose" to invoke a sense of destiny or mission, aiming to inspire or motivate. Meanwhile, "important" is used to emphasize the urgency or priority of topics discussed, underlining their critical nature.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The reason for which something is done or created.
Having great significance or value.
Usage Context
Objectives, goals, reasons.
Priorities, values, significance.
Impact on Actions
Guides and directs behavior.
Influences priorities and decision-making.
Example
The purpose of an educational program is to teach skills.
An important aspect of the program is student engagement.
Emotional Connotation
Often inspirational or motivational.
Conveys urgency or priority.
Compare with Definitions
Purpose
The reason for which something is done or created.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss new strategies.
Important
Having serious meaning or worth; deserving attention.
It's important to vote in the elections.
Purpose
The underlying cause of an event or situation.
The purpose of this feature is to increase user engagement.
Important
Having significant effects or influence.
An important factor in this decision is cost.
Purpose
An intended or desired result; aim.
Her main purpose in life is to help others.
Important
Of great consequence; considerable in amount.
He played an important role in the project.
Purpose
An object's utility or function.
The purpose of a hammer is to drive nails.
Important
Valued highly; essential to the overall success or survival.
Water is important for all life forms.
Purpose
The feeling of being determined to do or achieve something.
He went to college with a strong sense of purpose.
Important
Carrying a sense of urgency or priority.
It's important that we finish this on time.
Purpose
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.
Important
Strongly affecting the course of events or the nature of things; significant
An important message that must get through.
Close friends who are important to me.
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Important
Having high social rank or influence; prominent
Government leaders and other important people.
Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position or authority; authoritative
Recited the decree with an important air.
Purpose
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.
Important
(Obsolete) Importunate.
Purpose
Function, role.
Important
Having relevant and crucial value.
It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience.
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Important
(obsolete) Pompous; self-important.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Important
Full of, or burdened by, import; charged with great interests; restless; anxious.
Thou hast strength as muchAs serves to execute a mind very important.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
Important
Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty.
Things small as nothing . . . He makes important.
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
Important
Bearing on; forcible; driving.
He fiercely at him flew,And with important outrage him assailed.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Important
Importunate; pressing; urgent.
Purpose
To discourse.
Important
Of great significance or value;
Important people
The important questions of the day
Purpose
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.
Important
Important in effect or meaning;
A significant change in tax laws
A significant change in the Constitution
A significant contribution
Significant details
Statistically significant
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Important
Of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis;
A crucial moment in his career
A crucial election
A crucial issue for women
Purpose
Instance; example.
Important
Having authority or ascendancy or influence;
An important official
The captain's authoritative manner
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position;
Recited the decree with an important air
Took long important strides in the direction of his office
Purpose
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.
Purpose
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
Purpose
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
Purpose
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Purpose
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Purpose
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
Common Curiosities
Can something be important without having a clear purpose?
Yes, something can be considered important due to its potential effects even if its purpose isn't clear.
Why is it important to recognize what is important in a situation?
Recognizing what is important helps prioritize actions and resources effectively.
What defines the purpose of an action?
The purpose of an action is its underlying reason or intended outcome.
How do purpose and importance affect decision-making?
Purpose guides the direction of decisions, while importance affects the priority and urgency of decisions.
What makes a task important?
A task becomes important if it has significant consequences or is crucial for achieving a goal.
How can one identify their life's purpose?
Identifying life's purpose often involves introspection and understanding one's passions and values.
Is purpose subjective or objective?
Purpose can be both subjective, varying from person to person, and objective, particularly in organizational or broad societal contexts.
What are examples of important decisions in a business context?
Important decisions in business include budget allocations, strategic directions, and personnel management.
What role does purpose play in workplace motivation?
Purpose often enhances motivation by giving employees a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
How can leaders effectively communicate the purpose and importance of tasks?
Leaders can effectively communicate by clearly outlining the reasons behind tasks (purpose) and their significance (importance).
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-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.
