# purposive

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈpəːpəsɪv/ · frequency rank #98,612

## Definitions
1. Serving a particular purpose; useful; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution.
2. Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent.
3. Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity.
4. Pertaining to or demonstrating purpose.
5. Possessed of a firm purpose.
6. Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose.

## Etymology
From purpose + -ive. Compare purpositive.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/purposive