purpose

The end for which something is done, is made or exists.

What is the purpose of your visit?

The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Function, role.

The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.

The purpose of the gall-bladder is obviously to permit the accumulation of bile, when it is not wanted in the intestine; and we find it most constantly present in those tribes of animals, which live upon animal food

meaning for existing or doing something.

Before being hospitalized, Thea filled her days with work that gave her life purpose. Whether it was teaching, writing, or investing in relationships, Thea was busily and actively engaged in activity that she could feel good about.

This place gave him purpose, gave him joy. It was both his life and his lifeline and she was both thrilled and relieved that he'd recovered enough to be able to maintain the place.

Resolution; determination.

[…]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout ſuſpition, no doubt to their equall ioy and contentment.

Perhaps you have heard that there was once some purpose of marriage between the Duc de Joyeuse and myself; it is of that which I have to tell.

The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

[…]he was woont to ſpeake plaine, and to the purpoſe (like an honeſt man and a ſouldier) […]

The speech he made was so little to the purpose, that I shall not trouble my Readers with an account of it; and I believe was not so much designed by the Knight himself to inform the Court, as to give him a figure in my eye[…]

To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xxxvi, leaf 235v Soo was Alysander purposed to ryde to london by the coūceille of sire Tristram to syre Launcelot / "So was Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot."

Our gracious Ancestors, however, purposed Nothing, against these their ancient and implacable Enemies, save what was necessary and indispensable, with respect to their own Preservation.

To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

Upon my ſoul, / You may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpoſe / To me but nobly;[…]

To discourse.

Whom ouertaking, ſhe in merry ſort Them gan to bord, and purpoſe diuerſly,[…]

Wherein, as yee heape vp the names of a number of men not vnworthy to bee had in honour; ſo there are a number whom when yee mention, although it ſerue yee to purpoſe with the ignorant and vulgar ſort, who meaſure by tale and not by waight, yet ſurely they who know what qualitie and value the men are of, will thinke yee drawe very neare the dregs.