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