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