purposive

Etymology

From purpose +‎ -ive. Compare purpositive.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpəːpəsɪv/

Adjective

purposive (comparative more purposive, superlative most purposive)

1. Serving a particular purpose; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. [from 19th c.]
2. Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent. [from 19th c.]
   • 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin 2003, p. 191:

     Other ecclesiastics [...] were similarly accepting of a space for purposive and beneficent human action and betterment in a disenchanted world.

3. (psychology) Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity. [from 19th c.]
4. Pertaining to or demonstrating purpose. [from 19th c.]
   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 78:

     The world was generally agreed to be a purposive one, responsive to the wishes of its Creator […].

5. Possessed of a firm purpose; determined, resolute. [from 20th c.]
6. (grammar) Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose. [from 20th c.]