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purposiveness

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈpɜːrpəsɪvnəs/

KK: /ˈpɜːrpəsɪvnəs/

noun
Definition

The quality or state of having a specific purpose or intention behind actions or decisions.


Example

The purposiveness of her actions showed that she was determined to achieve her goals.


Conversation
Sloth A
I've been thinking about the purposiveness of our daily routines lately.
Sloth B
That's interesting! What do you mean by that?
Sloth A
I feel like we often go through the motions without really knowing why.
Sloth B
Exactly! It's good to reflect on what gives our actions meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
intent
aim
goal
Antonyms
aimlessness
distraction
inactivity
Root Explanation

Purposiveness → It is formed from "purpose" (from Old French *porpos*, meaning intention or aim) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "purposiveness" refers to the quality of having a purpose or intention.

Memory Tip

Think of 'purpose' as your aim or intention, and '-ness' indicates a state. This helps you remember that 'purposiveness' means the quality of having a clear aim.

Visually Confused Words
profusiveness
cursiveness
unresponsiveness
pursiness
prosiness
responsiveness
protrusiveness
oppositiveness
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