purposive

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "purposive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe actions, behaviors, or designs that are intentional or aimed at achieving a specific goal. For example, "The research was conducted with a purposive approach to gather relevant data." Alternative expressions include "intentional" and "goal-oriented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Kant often uses the terms "purpose" and "purposive" in ways that are related to, but do not quite fit, these definitions.

SEP

But reflective judgment is also described as responsible for two specific kinds of judgments: aesthetic judgments (judgments about the beautiful and the sublime) and teleological judgments (judgments which ascribe ends or purposes to natural things, or which characterize them in purposive or functional terms).

SEP

Purposive diachronic redistribution involves the successful implementation of institutions and policies whose purpose is to bring about changes in the holdings of different subjects.

SEP

Trocchi himself called shooting up an act of "systematic nihilism" which "threw a purposive spoon into the broth of experience".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is along these lines that the compromise will be found, if found at all, between the desire for "purposive direction" of economic affairs (the phrase is Keynes's) and the eternal liberties of the unorganised individual.It has been the fashion for many years among the ignorant to poke fun at Keynes's alleged inconsistencies.

The Economist

Indeed there is something unnervingly purposive about RBS's demise: far from being out of control, the firm made a calculated bet that went wrong.This is reflected in attitudes to Sir Fred north of the border.

The Economist

Impulsive activity is not purposive.

SEP

Customs originate in purposive activity.

SEP

This does not mean that we are entitled, still less required, to ascribe an intentional cause to purposive arrangements in nature, but it does allow us to think of them as standing not only in a mechanical, but also in a teleological order.

SEP

They can be counted as purposive in this relative sense as long as the thing to whose existence they contribute is a living thing, and hence has inner purposiveness (this condition is stated most clearly at §82, 425).

SEP

The antecedents of action, he rightly concludes, involve some sort of faculty of desire; but he is reluctant to conclude that desire is the sole or sufficient faculty implicated in the explanation of purposive behavior.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives such as "intentional" or "goal-oriented" to add nuance and avoid repetition when using "purposive" multiple times in a document.

Common error

While "purposive" is appropriate in formal writing, it can sound overly academic or stiff in casual conversation or informal writing. In such contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "intentional" or "deliberate" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Purposive functions primarily as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used to describe something done with conscious purpose; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. It can modify nouns to indicate intentionality or goal-directedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purposive" functions as an adjective indicating intentionality or goal-directedness, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly used in formal and scientific contexts to describe actions, behaviors, or designs that are aimed at achieving a specific purpose. While interchangeable with synonyms like "intentional" or "goal-oriented", "purposive" offers a nuanced emphasis on a directed intention. It's important to avoid overuse in informal contexts, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage, ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purposeful

A direct synonym emphasizing the presence of a defined aim or intention.

intentional

Emphasizes conscious intent or design, shifting the focus from overall purpose to the specific act of intending.

goal-oriented

Highlights the direction towards a specific goal, useful when the outcome is the main focus.

deliberate

Stresses careful consideration and premeditation, suggesting a thoughtful approach.

designed

Focuses on the planning and creation of something with a specific aim in mind.

aimed

Emphasizes the direction or target of an action or plan.

reasoned

Indicates actions or decisions based on logical thought and justification.

strategic

Implies a well-thought-out plan to achieve a specific long-term objective.

calculated

Suggests a strategic and planned approach, often implying careful assessment of risks and benefits.

teleological

Highlights the end or purpose as a determining factor, often used in philosophical or scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "purposive" in a sentence?

"Purposive" is typically used to describe actions, behaviors, or designs that are intentional or aimed at achieving a specific goal. For example, "The research was conducted with a "purposive approach" to gather relevant data."

What are some alternatives to the word "purposive"?

You can use alternatives such as "intentional", "goal-oriented", or "deliberate", depending on the context.

Is "purposive" the same as "purposeful"?

While "purposive" and "purposeful" are very similar, "purposive" often implies a more specific and directed intention, while "purposeful" can be more general. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but it's important to consider the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "purposive" and "causal" explanations?

Purposive explanations describe actions in terms of their intended goals, while causal explanations describe them in terms of their causes. A "purposive explanation" might state that someone exercised to improve their health, while a causal explanation might state that they exercised because their doctor recommended it.