Purpose - English meaning

noun

A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favourable or superior position.

Usage examples:

Companies with a computerized database are at an advantage

verb

Put in a favourable or superior position.

Usage examples:

Are we simply caught in a spiral here that will be destructive of our interests while, obviously, s…

noun

A condition that helps you or gives you a greater chance of success

Usage examples:

[ c ] his long arms give him a big advantage over other boxers., [ u ] test scores show no advantag…

verb

Point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target.

Usage examples:

Aim the camcorder at some suitable object

noun

A purpose or intention; a desired outcome.

Usage examples:

Our primary aim is to achieve financial discipline

abbreviation

Alternative investment market (a subsidiary market of the london stock exchange that allows small companies to be traded without the expense of a full market listing).

noun

A strong desire to do or achieve something.

Usage examples:

Her ambition was to become a pilot

noun

A strong wish to achieve something

Usage examples:

[ + to infinitive ] his ambition is ultimately to run his own business., he has already achieved hi…

noun

A strong wish to be successful, powerful, rich, etc.

Usage examples:

She has a lot of ambition.

noun

A hope or ambition of achieving something.

Usage examples:

The needs and aspirations of the people

A cherished desire

noun

Something that you hope to achieve

Usage examples:

I've never had any political aspirations., it's a story about the lives and aspirations of poor iri…

verb

Direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving something.

Usage examples:

We never thought that we might aspire to those heights

verb

To want something very much or hope to achieve something or be successful

Usage examples:

Aspire to sth most of his students aspired to a career in business., aspire to do sth we aspire to …

noun

The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; the spine.

Usage examples:

Prickles of sweat broke out along her backbone

noun

Your spine

Usage examples:

Newcomers are now the backbone of this team., the delegates had enough backbone to reject the propo…

noun

The most important part of something

Usage examples:

Small businesses are truly the backbone of the economy., imaginative ideas may form the backbone of…

noun

The underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process.

Usage examples:

Trust is the only basis for a good working relationship

noun

The most important facts, ideas, etc. from which something is developed

Usage examples:

Form the basis for this document will form the basis for our discussion., on the basis of decisions…

noun

A way or method of doing something

Usage examples:

On a voluntary basis most of our staff work for us on a voluntary basis (= they work without being …

noun

(especially in place names) a high mountain or mountain peak.

Usage examples:

Ben nevis

noun

The inner room in a two-roomed cottage.

noun

Used in the names of mountains in scotland

Usage examples:

Ben nevis

noun

A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.

Usage examples:

The cause of the accident is not clear

verb

Make (something, especially something bad) happen.

Usage examples:

This disease can cause blindness

conjunction

Short for because.

noun

The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.

Usage examples:

The company's commitment to quality

noun

A promise to give yourself, your money, your time, etc., to support or buy something

Usage examples:

Try the product for two weeks with no commitment to buy.

noun

A promise or firm decision to do something, or the fact of promising something

Usage examples:

He was encouraged by the commitment of car manufacturers to improving dealer profitability., the ma…

verb

Come or bring to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.

Usage examples:

She decided that she liked him

verb

Reach, make, or come to a conclusion about something

verb

To choose between one possibility or another

Usage examples:

[ t ] i decided i would try it., [ + to infinitive ] in the end, we decided to go to the theater., …

noun

A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made.

Usage examples:

He has just unveiled his design for the new museum

verb

Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it.

Usage examples:

A number of architectural students were designing a factory

verb

The act of working out the form of something

noun

A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.

Usage examples:

He resisted public desires for choice in education

verb

Strongly wish for or want (something).

Usage examples:

He never achieved the status he so desired

noun

A strong feeling of wanting something, or something you want

Usage examples:

[ u ] he claims to have no desire for wealth., [ c ] she expressed a desire to speak with her attor…

noun

The quality of being determined; firmness of purpose.

Usage examples:

Those who succeed because of sheer grit and determination

noun

The ability to continue trying to do something, even if it is difficult

Usage examples:

[ + to infinitive ] she has a lot of determination to succeed.

noun

The ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult

Usage examples:

I admired his drive and determination - he never gave up., determination to do sth she had great de…

verb

Cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature.

Usage examples:

It will be her mental attitude that determines her future

verb

Find out or learn with certainty, as by making an inquiry

verb

To control or influence directly; to decide

Usage examples:

[ t ] we should be allowed to determine our own future., [ t ] eye color is genetically determined.…

verb

Operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.

Usage examples:

He got into his car and drove off

noun

(of a fact or feeling) compel (someone) to act in a particular way, especially one that is considered undesirable or inappropriate.

Usage examples:

He was driven by ambition

verb

To travel in a motor vehicle, esp. as the person who operates it

Usage examples:

[ t ] we drove 40 miles to visit my aunt., [ i ] she drove through pennsylvania to ohio., [ i ] she…

noun

A final part of something, especially a period of time, an activity, or a story.

Usage examples:

The end of the year

verb

Come or bring to a final point; finish.

Usage examples:

When the war ended, policy changed

suffix

Denoting a person or thing to be treated in a specified way.

Usage examples:

Dividend

noun

A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.

Usage examples:

A joint enterprise between french and japanese companies

noun

An organization, esp. a business, or a difficult and important plan, esp. one that will earn money

Usage examples:

[ u ] private enterprise, [ c ] the road is bordered by shopping centers, restaurants, retail outle…

noun

An organization, a company, or a business

Usage examples:

A manufacturing/catering/farming enterprise, a large/small/medium-sized enterprise, a state/state-o…

noun

Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

Usage examples:

Her energy and enthusiasm for life

noun

A feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and a desire to be involved in it, or a subject that produces such a feeling

Usage examples:

[ u ] i find that i’m losing my enthusiasm for the game., [ c ] parents need to share their enthusi…

noun

A feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to be involved in it

Usage examples:

One of the good things about teaching young children is their enthusiasm., enthusiasm for after the…

verb

Regard (something) as likely to happen.

Usage examples:

It's as well to expect the worst

verb

To think or believe that something will happen, or that someone will arrive

Usage examples:

[ t ] we are expecting about 100 people for the lecture., [ t ] his plane is expected to land at ab…

verb

To think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive

Usage examples:

We are expecting a lot of applicants for the job., i expect (that) you'll find it somewhere in your…

noun

(in soccer, rugby, hockey, and some other games) a pair of posts linked by a crossbar and typically with a net between, forming a space into or over which the ball has to be sent in order to score.

Usage examples:

Mr foxley said there were still some problems with organising the event including installing a set …

noun

An area on a playing field, that usually has two posts with a net fixed behind them, where players try to send the ball in order to score in sports such as football and hockey

Usage examples:

Into the goal black headed the ball into the goal., towards the goal she won the ball and ran towar…

noun

A point scored in some sports, such as football and hockey, when a player gets the ball into this area

Usage examples:

Brazil won by three goals to one., score a goal only one goal was scored in the entire match.

noun

The solid surface of the earth.

Usage examples:

He lay on the ground

verb

Short for ground bass.

adjective

Reduced to fine particles by crushing or mincing.

Usage examples:

Ground cumin

idiom

A machine or other object can be said to have a mind of its own if it seems to be controlling the way it behaves or moves, independently of the person using it

Usage examples:

This shopping trolley has a mind of its own.

idiom

To have a plan or intention

Usage examples:

Did you have anything in mind for helen's present?

noun

A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.

Usage examples:

He looked through her belongings in the hope of coming across some information

verb

Want something to happen or be the case.

Usage examples:

He's hoping for an offer of compensation

noun

The feeling that something desired can be had or will happen

Usage examples:

[ u ] we never entirely gave up hope., [ u ] this research offers hope of developing better ways to…

noun

The force or energy with which a body moves.

Usage examples:

Hit the booster coil before the flywheel loses all its impetus

noun

A force that encourages a particular action or makes it more energetic or effective

Usage examples:

Often the impetus for change in education has had to come from outside the school establishment.

noun

Something that encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective

Usage examples:

(a) fresh impetus the recent publicity surrounding homelessness has given (a) fresh impetus to the …

noun

The ability to assess and initiate things independently.

Usage examples:

Use your initiative, imagination, and common sense

noun

The ability to judge what needs to be done and take action, esp. without suggestion from other people

Usage examples:

Lisa showed initiative on the job and was soon promoted., the defense secretary announced a major i…

noun

A new plan or action to improve something or solve a problem

Usage examples:

A marketing/cost-cutting initiative, a diplomatic/peace initiative, an education/environmental/econ…

verb

Have (a course of action) as one's purpose or intention; plan.

Usage examples:

The company intends to cut 400 jobs

verb

To have as a plan or purpose

Usage examples:

[ + to infinitive ] we intend to go to australia next year to visit our daughter., [ t ] the remark…

noun

A thing intended; an aim or plan.

Usage examples:

She was full of good intentions

noun

Something that you want and plan to do; an aim

Usage examples:

[ u ] i have no intention of selling this house., [ c ] he had good intentions (= he meant to be ki…

noun

Something that you want and plan to do

Usage examples:

[ + to infinitive ] it wasn't my intention to exclude her from the list - i just forgot her., inten…

noun

The action of showing something to be right or reasonable.

Usage examples:

The justification of revolutionary action

noun

A good reason or explanation for something

Usage examples:

There is no justification for treating people so badly., it can be said, with some justification, t…

verb

Intend to convey or refer to (a particular thing); signify.

Usage examples:

I don't know what you mean

adjective

Unwilling to give or share things, especially money; not generous.

Usage examples:

She felt mean not giving a tip

noun

The value obtained by dividing the sum of several quantities by their number; an average.

Usage examples:

Acid output was calculated by taking the mean of all three samples

noun

A reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way.

Usage examples:

Escape can be a strong motivation for travel

noun

Willingness to do something, or something that causes such willingness

Usage examples:

[ c ] one motivation for reducing the staff was the need to cut costs., [ u ] you need a lot of mot…

noun

Enthusiasm for doing something

Usage examples:

Many staff lack motivation and are resistant to change., a motivation for sth a major motivation fo…

noun

A reason for doing something.

Usage examples:

Police were unable to establish a motive for his murder

adjective

Producing physical or mechanical motion.

Usage examples:

The charge of gas is the motive force for every piston stroke

noun

A reason for doing something

Usage examples:

Does he have a motive for lying about where he was?, judy moved to florida because she likes it the…

noun

A material thing that can be seen and touched.

Usage examples:

He was dragging a large object

verb

Say something to express one's opposition to or disagreement with something.

Usage examples:

Residents object to the volume of traffic

noun

A thing that can be seen, held, or touched, usually not a living thing

Usage examples:

Distant objects look blurry to me., the object of the game of chess is to checkmate your opponent.,…

adjective

(of a person or their judgement) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

Usage examples:

Historians try to be objective and impartial

noun

A thing aimed at or sought; a goal.

Usage examples:

The system has achieved its objective

adjective

Not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings; fair or real

Usage examples:

An objective opinion, long-term objectives, his main objective this semester is to improve his grad…

noun

A particular event, or the time at which it takes place.

Usage examples:

On one occasion i stayed up until two in the morning

verb

Cause (something).

Usage examples:

Something vital must have occasioned this visit

noun

A particular time when something happens

Usage examples:

Sarah loves dressing up for special occasions., she has lied on several occasions., this meeting pr…

noun

A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.

Usage examples:

The un peace plan

verb

Decide on and make arrangements for in advance.

Usage examples:

They were planning a trip to egypt

verb

A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be achieved

noun

The tapered, sharp end of a tool, weapon, or other object.

Usage examples:

The point of his dagger

verb

A fielding position on the off side near the batsman.

verb

Put forward (a plan or suggestion) for consideration by others.

Usage examples:

He proposed a new nine-point peace plan

verb

To suggest or state (a possible plan or action) for consideration

Usage examples:

[ + to infinitive ] she proposed to keep the schools open all summer., [ + that clause ] it has oft…

verb

To give someone a plan or idea to consider

Usage examples:

She proposed a tax reform designed to make basic insurance more affordable., propose to do sth he i…

verb

Exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself.

Usage examples:

She pushed her glass towards him

noun

An act of pushing someone or something in order to move them away from oneself.

Usage examples:

He closed the door with a push

verb

Move with force, "he pushed the table into a corner"

noun

A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

Usage examples:

She asked him to return, but didn't give a reason

verb

Think, understand, and form judgements logically.

Usage examples:

Humans do not reason entirely from facts

noun

The act of solving a problem or finding a way to improve a difficult situation

Usage examples:

[ c ] negotiators are working tirelessly for a swift resolution of this crisis., the chairing offic…

noun

A formal statement on which people in an organization vote, or the decision taken as a result of this vote

Usage examples:

Approve/adopt a resolution shareholders were asked to approve a resolution to create a special voti…

noun

A firm decision to do or not to do something.

Usage examples:

She kept her resolution not to see anne any more

noun

The act of solving a problem or finding a way to improve a difficult situation

Usage examples:

[ c ] negotiators are working tirelessly for a swift resolution of this crisis., the chairing offic…

noun

A formal statement on which people in an organization vote, or the decision taken as a result of this vote

Usage examples:

Approve/adopt a resolution shareholders were asked to approve a resolution to create a special voti…

verb

Settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter).

Usage examples:

The firm aims to resolve problems within 30 days

noun

Firm determination to do something.

Usage examples:

She received information that strengthened her resolve

verb

Find a solution or answer

noun

A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect.

Usage examples:

The occupational sick pay scheme

verb

Make plans, especially in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong.

Usage examples:

Envious of their wealth, he schemed to bring about their downfall

noun

A plan for doing or organizing something

Usage examples:

The committee came up with a creative fundraising scheme., the yellow and white color scheme bright…

phrasal verb

Begin a journey.

Usage examples:

We set out from new york on friday for egypt

phrasal verb

Arrange or display something in a particular order or position.

Usage examples:

They had a picnic by the river where there was a jetty and rustic tables and chairs set out

phrasal verb

To start a journey

Usage examples:

What time will we have to set off for grandma's house tomorrow?, jenny set off down the road on her…

noun

The quality of being very determined and thinking only about achieving a particular thing

Usage examples:

His quiet single-mindedness allowed him to accomplish something that others had been trying to do f…

noun

The quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

Usage examples:

No side wins without steadfastness in the face of adversity

noun

The quality of staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly

Usage examples:

He was unwavering in his steadfastness and devotion to science, military training in steadfastness …

noun

A person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack.

Usage examples:

The airport terminal was the target of a bomb

verb

Select as an object of attention or attack.

Usage examples:

Two men were targeted by the attackers

verb

A reference point to shoot at

verb

Push suddenly or violently in a specified direction.

Usage examples:

She thrust her hands into her pockets

noun

A sudden or violent lunge with a pointed weapon or a bodily part.

Usage examples:

He drove the blade upwards with one powerful thrust

verb

To push suddenly and strongly

Usage examples:

[ t ] she thrust the money into his hand., [ i ] he thrust at me with a stick., [ c ] a sword thrus…

verb

Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.

Usage examples:

I want an apple

noun

A lack or deficiency of something.

Usage examples:

Victorian houses which are in want of repair

The state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

verb

Feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that cannot or probably will not happen.

Usage examples:

We wished for peace

noun

A desire or hope for something to happen.

Usage examples:

The union has reiterated its wish for an agreement