an overarching purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overarching purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a primary or central goal that encompasses various smaller objectives or aims. Example: "The organization was founded with an overarching purpose of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Once you've attentively listened and observed, you'll want to suggest an overarching purpose for the meeting and articulate clear outcomes that will connect to achieving it.

Harvard Business Review

A journalist employs game theory and the principle of evolutionary convergence to argue that humankind has an overarching purpose and that the globalization of trade and communication is the latest stage of human history.

The New York Times - Books

People were also driven by the clear definition of the goals and an overarching purpose; they could see how their collaboration would benefit a cause larger than that of any individual.

Harvard Business Review

A well-defined and aligned CSR program can help companies articulate an overarching purpose that motivates employees, inspires customers, gratifies shareholders and advances society.

Forbes

Instrumental theories regard tort's essential features as explicable in terms of an overarching purpose, typically, the remediation of some social problem, such as the problem of allocating the costs of life's misfortunes.

SEP

Furthermore, it took place in a mind that was busy with other things, and which was dominated by an overarching purpose, namely to eat the orange, whose sub-tasks include selecting it, peeling it, putting a section in my mouth, trying not spill too much juice, and so on; all this would be written down in my practical guide to eating oranges.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The long-term relationship is cultivated by sharing a purpose with consumers — an overarching intent above and beyond the moment of purchase.

Harvard Business Review

Boldly going nowhere: Businesses that have strong alignment between their strategy and organization, but weak alignment between strategy and purpose are classed as "boldly going nowhere". In our experience, there are many capable businesses with great people that lack a coherent, overarching purpose that helps guide shifts in strategy.

Harvard Business Review

Markman noted that any measure could be twisted and broadly construed to have a single, overarching purpose.

HuffPost

This is an overarching function.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Recent social psychology research shows that people in an advisory role focus on overarching purpose (why an action should be performed), whereas recipients of advice who usually face an impending decision are more concerned with tactics (how to get things done).

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining the "overarching purpose" of a project or initiative, ensure it's clear, concise and easily understood by all stakeholders. A well-defined purpose provides direction and motivation.

Common error

Avoid mistaking the "overarching purpose" for individual, specific goals. The overarching purpose is the broader, ultimate reason, while goals are the concrete steps to achieve it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where "overarching" modifies the noun "purpose". It typically identifies a broad, encompassing aim or objective that provides direction and meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly frames an intention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching purpose" refers to a primary, guiding aim that encompasses specific goals, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This phrase functions as a noun phrase, commonly used in neutral to formal registers, particularly in news, science, academia and business contexts. It serves to clarify the ultimate intention behind actions and projects. While grammatically correct, confusing it with specific goals is a common error. Alternatives include "a primary objective" or "a central aim". Therefore, clearly defining the "overarching purpose" ensures clarity and direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary objective

This alternative focuses on the main goal, highlighting its importance.

a central aim

This phrase emphasizes the core intention or target.

a fundamental goal

This option stresses the basic and essential nature of the objective.

a main intention

This choice points to the principal reason or motivation behind an action.

a unifying principle

This alternative highlights how the purpose brings different elements together.

a grand design

This phrase suggests a comprehensive and ambitious plan or intention.

a comprehensive objective

This option emphasizes the broad and inclusive nature of the goal.

a key objective

This alternative highlights the significance of the objective.

a dominant purpose

This phrase suggests that the purpose is the strongest and most influential.

a supreme aim

This alternative indicates that the aim is the highest in rank or importance.

FAQs

What does "an overarching purpose" mean?

The phrase "an overarching purpose" refers to a primary or central goal that encompasses and guides more specific objectives or intentions. It's the main reason or aim behind an activity, project, or organization.

How can I identify the "overarching purpose" of my project?

To identify the "overarching purpose", ask yourself: What is the ultimate impact I want to achieve? What problem am I trying to solve? The answer should articulate the central reason your project exists.

What are some alternatives to "an overarching purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary objective", "a central aim", or "a fundamental goal" depending on the context.

How is "an overarching purpose" different from a mission statement?

While both define direction, a mission statement is a formal declaration of an organization's purpose. "An overarching purpose" can be less formal and apply to any endeavor, not just organizations. The mission statement should reflect the "a central aim".