You’ve probably seen (and maybe used) the words “purposely” and “purposefully” before. These two adverbs are often used to mean the same thing, which can get confusing. But are they really interchangeable?
This article will examine the subtle differences between “purposefully” vs “purposely” to help you choose the right word.
What does “purposely” mean?
When people use the word “purposely,” they usually mean “intentionally” or “on purpose.” The word suggests that someone did something deliberately.
Here are some examples of “purposely” in a sentence:
- She purposely dropped the letter.
- He purposely avoided eye contact.
Note that some style guides say “purposely” is the better word to use when you mean “intentionally.”
What does “purposefully” mean?
When you do something purposefully, you do it with a goal in mind. You act with intention, determination, and resolve.
For example:
- “She purposefully walked towards the stage,” means she was deliberately headed in that direction.
- “He purposefully crafted his argument,” suggests he put a lot of thought into what he said.
The word “purposefully” often describes an action that shows someone is serious and committed.
Purposely vs. Purposefully: What’s the Difference?
The words “purposely” and “purposefully” are similar, and people often use them interchangeably. But there are subtle differences between them.
Intentionality vs. Determination
“Purposely” suggests that the actor did something on purpose, intentionally, or deliberately. In many cases, you could replace “purposely” with “intentionally” and the sentence would have the same meaning.
“Purposefully,” on the other hand, suggests that the actor is acting with determination or resolve, or that they’re trying to achieve a specific goal. It implies that the action is meaningful and focused.
Tips for Choosing the Right Word
Here’s an easy way to decide which word is best:
- If you can replace the word with “intentionally,” use “purposely.”
- If the actor is showing determination and resolve, use “purposefully.”
Examples of “Purposely” and “Purposefully”
- He purposely tripped his opponent. (He did it intentionally.)
- She purposefully organized the event. (She did it with a clear goal and a lot of determination.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use “purposely” or “purposefully”?
Both “purposely” and “purposefully” are correct and can be used interchangeably in most cases. “Purposely” is often considered the more concise and common choice, but “purposefully” emphasizes intention and deliberation.
Is it correct to say “purposefully”?
Yes, it is absolutely correct to say “purposefully.” While “purposely” might be slightly more common, “purposefully” is a perfectly valid and grammatically sound word. It adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the deliberate nature of the action.
Does the word “purposefully” exist?
Yes, “purposefully” definitely exists! It’s a real word, recognized and accepted by dictionaries and style guides. Don’t hesitate to use it if you feel it’s the best fit for your writing.
How do you use “purposefully” in a sentence?
You can use “purposefully” in a sentence to describe an action done with intention or a specific aim. For example: “She purposefully avoided eye contact during the meeting.” Or, “He purposefully chose the most challenging route to test his limits.” You can also say, “She purposely avoided eye contact…”
In Closing
The key difference between “purposely” and “purposefully” is subtle. “Purposely” suggests intention, while “purposefully” implies acting with resolve.
When you’re deciding which word to use, consider the context and what you want to convey.
The right word can make your writing clearer and more precise.