TL;DR – “Purposely” means “intentionally,” while “purposefully” means “with determination.”
Both “purposely” and “purposefully” are valid English words that often get confused due to their slightly different meanings in the English language.
Purposely:
Definition: Deliberately or intentionally.
Example: He purposely left the door open to let some fresh air in.
Purposefully:
Definition: With a deliberate aim or determination; in a manner showing determination.
Example: She walked purposefully towards the podium to give her speech.
While both words are related to the concept of “purpose,” “purposely” emphasizes the specific purpose or intention behind an action. In contrast, “purposefully” highlights the manner or demeanor of an action performed with determination. Selecting the right word between these two can be pivotal for the correct choice in English usage, particularly in professional platforms like LinkedIn or publications like The New York Times. Proofreading is essential to ensure that one has used English words appropriately, especially when words like these with particular purposes can easily be mixed up. As the word of the day might be “indices” or “collectible,” understanding the nuanced differences between synonyms or words with related meanings is crucial.
FAQ
How do you use purposely and purposefully in a sentence?
Published on: 2023-09-30
Updated on: 2023-10-06
