adv
purposefully
PUR-puhs-fuh-lee
Purposefully (adv) means In a determined, focused manner. Example: “He worked purposefully through the pile of paperwork.”
adv
1
In a determined, focused manner.
"He worked purposefully through the pile of paperwork."
2
Intentionally; deliberately.
"Jones’ sad eyes betray a pervasive pain his purposefully spare dialogue only hints at, while the perfectly cast Brolin conveys hints of playfulness and warmth while staying true to the craggy stoicism at the character’s core."
— Nathan Rabin, Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3 (2012)
"She purposefully avoided mentioning the accident."
How to use purposefully
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberately, or with clear determination.
Common mistake
Overlaps with "purposely" (on purpose) but also carries a sense of determined focus that "purposely" lacks.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more purposefully
- Superlative
- most purposefully
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He worked _____ through the pile of paperwork.
Etymology
From purposeful plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for purposefully
See all rhymes for purposefully →Frequently asked questions
What does “purposefully” mean?
The word “purposefully” means in a determined, focused manner. In plain terms, deliberately, or with clear determination.
How do you pronounce “purposefully”?
“Purposefully” is pronounced PUR-puhs-fuh-lee (/ˈpɝ.pəs.fə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “purposefully” in a sentence?
Here is “purposefully” used in a sentence: “He worked purposefully through the pile of paperwork.”
What part of speech is “purposefully”?
“Purposefully” is an adverb.
How many meanings does “purposefully” have?
“Purposefully” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a determined, focused manner.
