adj
purposive
Purposive (adj) means having a clear purpose, especially through the way something has developed naturally.
adj
1
Having a clear purpose, especially through the way something has developed naturally.
"Irresistably it came to me again that beauty, far from being wasted, was purposive, that this purpose was of a redeeming kind, and that some one who was pleased co-operated with it for my personal benefit."
— Algernon Blackwood (1918)
2
Done deliberately, with a clear aim in mind.
3
Relating to having a goal, as shown through someone's actions or thoughts.
"Ursula could not believe the air in her nostrils. It seemed conscious, malevolent, purposive in its intense murderous coldness."
— David Herbert Lawrence (1920)
"The question at once arises whether medieval thinkers really believed that what we now call inanimate objects were sentient and purposive."
— C. S. Lewis (1964)
4
Showing that something has a clear aim or goal.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like purposive.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
Formed from purpose and -ive. Compare purpositive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for purposive
See all rhymes for purposive →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of purposive?
"purposive" (adj) means having a clear purpose, especially through the way something has developed naturally.
What is another word for purposive?
Other words for "purposive" include advertent, wilful, witting, deliberate, intentional, voluntary.
What is the opposite of purposive?
The opposite of "purposive" is random.
What are the different meanings of purposive?
"purposive" has 3 main meanings: 1. Having a clear purpose, especially through the way something has developed naturally; 2. Done deliberately, with a clear aim in mind; 3. Relating to having a goal, as shown through someone's actions or thoughts.
