SKIP TO CONTENT

purposive

/ˈpʌrpəsɪv/
IPA guide

Other forms: purposively

Definitions of purposive
  1. adjective
    having a purpose
    purposive behavior”
    synonyms: goal-directed
    purposeful
    serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal
  2. adjective
    having or showing or acting with a purpose or design
    purposive behavior”
    synonyms:
    nonrandom
    not random
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘purposive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family