purposive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Public policy is the broad strategy government uses to do its job, the relatively stable set of purposive governmental behaviors that address matters of concern to some part of society.

From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 2021

They were grim, purposive pleas about “making a plan” that might involve multiple brown bag meals and waiting in line for hours.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2020

Circulating through this purposive material stockpile is the only way to experience an art built entirely on double takes.

From New York Times • Jul. 16, 2020

If there is any hope for a better world, it lies in the daily effort to expand the circle of those we believe should be treated as full, purposive and dignified human beings.

From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2019

Aristotle thought about the natural world in exactly the same way: that is to say, he saw it as the product of rational, purposive activity.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton