View source for On purpose - purposely - purposeful

Someone's '''purpose''' is, according to ''[[OED]]'' (at meaning '''1. a.'''): "That which a person sets out to do or attain; an object in view; a determined intention or aim." In other words, one's '''purpose''' is one's motive, or intention. When one does something with the intention of achieving a particular effect, one has acted '''on purpose'''. A child will be more severely admonished if it has hurt a sibling '''on purpose''', rather than accidentally.

*The single [[adverb]] that carries the meaning of this [[adverbial phrase]] is '''purposely'''. ''[[OED]]'' defines this as "'''On purpose''', by design; intentionally, deliberately" (AWE's emboldening).

This should not be confused with the [[adverb]] '''purposefully''', nor the [[adjective]] '''purposeful'''.

*'''Purposefully''' is an adverb <u>of manner</u> - that is, it describes how an actor acts, "In a purposeful manner'.
*'''Purposeful''' is defined in two ways by ''[[OED]]'':
***'''1. '''Having a purpose or meaning; indicating or evincing purpose or plan; designed, intentional.

***'''2. '''Having a definite purpose in mind; resolute.

So '''purposeful''' shows what someone looks like, the impression s/he gives of being determined, and set upon a particular goal. '''Purposely''' has less to do with impressions and appearances, but about doing something deliberately.

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