purposive

== English == === Etymology === From purpose +‎ -ive. Compare purpositive. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpəːpəsɪv/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈpɚpəsɪv/ === Adjective === purposive (comparative more purposive, superlative most purposive) Serving a particular purpose; useful; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. [from 19th c.] Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent. [from 19th c.] Synonyms: deliberate, intentional, purposeful; see also Thesaurus:intentional (psychology) Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity. [from 19th c.] Pertaining to or demonstrating purpose. [from 19th c.] Possessed of a firm purpose. [from 20th c.] Synonyms: determined, resolute (grammar) Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose. [from 20th c.] ==== Usage notes ==== Objects: behavior, action, interpretation, sample, etc. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== purposeful ==== Translations ==== === Noun === purposive (uncountable) (grammar) A mood indicating a purpose of the course of activity expressed by the verb.