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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Purpose v. goal or objective

I've followed the threads here but am still not entirely sure of the difference between "purpose" and "goal" or "objective" (the latter two terms seem to be very similar). Specifically, is it possible to accomplish a purpose? I would think not, but if your purpose in turning the corner is to see if the bus is coming, then you will accomplish it. Maybe that's not really a purpose, but a goal or objective.

It seems to me that "purpose" is similar to "intention", and that those cannot be accomplished, where as objectives or goals further a purpose and can be accomplished.

Is it possible to have as a purpose to lose weight? How about a purpose to lose 50 pounds? I think those are both objectives.

I'd welcome clarification.
  

Top answer

Anonymous It seems to me that "purpose" is similar to "intention", and that those cannot be accomplished, where as objectives or goals further a purpose and can be accomplished. I agree with this. com/purport

  • Anonymous It seems to me that "purpose" is similar to "intention", and that those cannot be accomplished, where as objectives or goals further a purpose and can be accomplished.
  • I agree with this.
  • com/purport
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1 Answers
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AnonymousIt seems to me that "purpose" is similar to "intention", and that those cannot be accomplished, where as objectives or goals further a purpose and can be accomplished.
I agree with this.

(I believe that "to purport" and "to intend" are/can be synonyms.)

Well, this makes me wish I hadn't written that:

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