1 [C] the aim or intention of sth 目的;意图:
The main purpose of this meeting is to decide what we should do next.这次会议的主要目的是要决定我们接下来应该做些什么。You may only use the telephone for business purposes.这个电话只能用于公事。
2purposes [pl] what is needed in a particular situation (某情况下)需要之物:
For the purposes of this demonstration, I will use model cars.为这次示范所需,我会使用模型汽车。
3 [U] a meaning or reason that is important to you 目标;意义:
A good leader inspires people with a sense of purpose.好的领导能激发人们朝着目标努力。
4 [U] the ability to plan sth and work hard to achieve it 意志(力);决心:
I was impressed by his strength of purpose.他的意志力真叫我佩服。
to/for all intents and purposes→INTENT²
on purpose not by accident; with a particular intention 故意;蓄意:
‘You've torn a page out of my book!’ ‘I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.’“我的书给你撕掉一页啦!”“对不起,我不是故意的。” [SYN] deliberately 同义词为deliberately
purpose/ˋpɝpəs; ˈpɜːpəs/n 1 [C] the purpose of something is what it is intended to achieve 意图﹐目的: the purpose of (doing) sth What is the purpose of your visit to England? 你去英格兰访问的目的是什么?The purpose of running a business is to make money. 办企业的目的就是赚钱。THESAURUS 同类词aim – something that you want to achieve 目的﹐目标: Our main aim is to find the child before dark. 我们的首要目标是在天黑前找到这个小孩。goal – something that you hope to achieve in the future〔希望在未来实现的〕目标﹐目的: Athletes set themselves personal goals. 运动员都给自己定下目标。objective – something that you are working hard to achieve〔努力争取达到的〕目标﹐目的: The major objectives have been achieved. 主要目标已经实现。2 on purpose deliberately [ by accident ] 故意﹐存心: I’m sorry. I didn’t hurt you on purpose. 对不起﹐我不是故意伤害你的。3 [C usually plural 一般用复数] what something is used for 用途﹐作用: The planes may be used for military purposes. 这些飞机可作军事用途。4 [U] determination to succeed in what you want to do 决心﹐毅力: She went back to her work with a new sense of purpose . 她怀着新的决心继续工作。 to/for all intents and purposes at 见 INTENT2
purposepurposepurposespurposedpurposingnounthe reason for doing something: What is the purpose of your visit?on purposebecause you want to; not by accidentsame meaningdeliberately: ‘You've broken my pen!’ ‘I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.’