purposive

[ pur-puh-siv ]
/ ˈpɜr pə sɪv /

adjective

having, showing, or acting with a purpose, intention, or design.
adapted to a purpose or end.
serving some purpose.
determined; resolute.
of or characteristic of purpose.

Origin of purposive

First recorded in 1850–55; purpose + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM purposive

Example sentences from the Web for purposive

British Dictionary definitions for purposive

purposive
/ (ˈpɜːpəsɪv) /

adjective

relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention
serving a purpose; useful

Derived forms of purposive

purposively, adverb purposiveness, noun