Purpose vs. Significance — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
"Purpose" refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. "Significance" refers to the importance, meaning, or worth of something in a given context.
Difference Between Purpose and Significance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purpose is about intentionality; it involves the aim or objective behind an action or the existence of an object. For example, the purpose of a knife is to cut. Significance, however, relates to the impact or value of something. For instance, the significance of a historical event lies in its effects and meanings as interpreted by society.
Purpose is often subjective, formulated by the creators or users of an item or concept, dictating how something should be used or understood. In contrast, significance is more often assessed by observers or within a broader context, highlighting its relevance or impact on a broader scale.
While purpose can be specific and immediate, directing how an item is utilized or an action performed, significance tends to be broader and may evolve over time based on changing societal values or new interpretations. For example, the purpose of a scientific study might be to explore a hypothesis, whereas its significance might be in how it changes understanding within the field.
Purpose can be straightforward and utilitarian, such as the purpose of a household tool, which directly relates to its function. However, significance can be multi-faceted, depending on various factors including cultural, emotional, or historical perspectives, such as the significance of a religious artifact which may vary between cultures or over time.
The determination of purpose is typically a part of the planning or creation process, imbued by creators or planners. Conversely, significance is often determined post-hoc, through reflection, discussion, or historical analysis, based on the outcomes or impact of an entity or event.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The reason something is done or exists.
The importance or meaning of something.
Focus
Intent and functionality.
Impact and relevance.
Determination
By creators or users.
By observers or over time.
Scope
Specific to task or object.
Broader, encompassing various dimensions.
Temporality
Often remains constant unless repurposed.
Can change or evolve over time.
Compare with Definitions
Purpose
The practical or intended use of an object.
The purpose of a hammer is to drive nails.
Significance
The importance or meaning attached to something.
The significance of the discovery was not understood until years later.
Purpose
A goal or desired outcome of actions.
His purpose in studying hard is to get into a good university.
Significance
The impact or effect of an action or event.
The significance of the new policy on the economy was profound.
Purpose
An objective or target to be achieved.
The company's purpose is to innovate in technology solutions.
Significance
The implication or consequence of a fact.
The significance of his words became clear only later.
Purpose
The intended function of something or reason for doing something.
The purpose of educational institutions is to impart knowledge.
Significance
The value or worth of something in a given context.
The cultural significance of the festival is immense.
Purpose
The motive or reason behind an action.
The purpose of her visit was to discuss business.
Significance
The symbolic or representational importance of something.
The ring held great significance for her as it belonged to her grandmother.
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.
Significance
The quality of being worthy of attention; importance
Adolescent education was felt to be a social issue of some significance
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Significance
The meaning to be found in words or events
The significance of what was happening was clearer to me than to her
Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
Significance
The extent to which a result deviates from that expected to arise simply from random variation or errors in sampling.
Purpose
Function, role.
Significance
The state or quality of being significant
A matter of some significance.
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Significance
A meaning that is expressed or implied
What was the significance of that smile?.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Significance
The extent to which something matters; importance
As a juror your opinion is of great significance for the outcome of the trial.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
Significance
Meaning.
The significance of a gesture
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
Significance
The quality or state of being significant.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Significance
That which is signified; meaning; import; as, the significance of a nod, of a motion of the hand, or of a word or expression.
Purpose
To discourse.
Significance
Importance; moment; weight; consequence.
With this brain I must work, in order to give significancy and value to the few facts which I possess.
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.
Significance
The quality of being significant;
Do not underestimate the significance of nuclear power
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Significance
A meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred;
The significance of his remark became clear only later
The expectation was spread both by word and by implication
Purpose
Instance; example.
Significance
The message that is intended or expressed or signified;
What is the meaning of this sentence
The significance of a red traffic light
The signification of Chinese characters
The import of his announcement was ambigtuous
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
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's purpose and significance be the same?
Yes, in some cases, the purpose of something can directly contribute to its significance, especially if it fulfills a crucial need or achieves a significant outcome.
Does the significance of something change over time?
Yes, the significance of something can change as societal values, knowledge, and contexts evolve.
What is the difference between purpose and significance?
Purpose is the reason for which something exists or is done, while significance is the importance or meaning of something.
What makes something significant?
Something becomes significant due to its impact, value, or meaning in a particular context or over time.
Is purpose more important than significance?
Importance varies by context; purpose is crucial in planning and execution, while significance is key in understanding impact and value.
How can the purpose of an action influence its significance?
The purpose behind an action can shape its outcomes, thereby influencing its significance based on how well it achieves its intended results or affects others.
Can the significance of an object be unrelated to its purpose?
Yes, sometimes objects acquire significance that is unrelated to their original purpose, such as artifacts that gain historical or cultural value.
How do you determine the purpose of something?
The purpose of something is determined by its intended function or the goal it was created to achieve.
How do individuals influence the significance of events?
Individuals can influence significance through their perceptions, interpretations, and the values they ascribe to events.
Why might the purpose of a project not align with its significance?
The purpose of a project may not align with its significance if the outcomes differ from expected, or if it has unintended effects that are deemed more important.
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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.
