The meaning of PURPOSIVE is serving or effecting a useful function though not as a result of planning or design.

Purposive browsing describes what academic researchers do when they look over books with a serious purpose in mind, such as keeping up to date in their field or looking for new ideas.

purposive (ˈpɜːpəsɪv) adj 1. relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention 2. serving a purpose; useful

Definition of purposive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Factsheet What does the adjective purposive mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective purposive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

She began to move, for the first time, in a purposive direction. His meanness lost its gaiety and took on a purposive quality. 2 meanings: 1. relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention 2. serving a …

Nov 27, 2025 · purposive (comparative more purposive, superlative most purposive) Serving a particular purpose; useful; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. [from 19th c.] …

purposive - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

Definitions of purposive adjective having a purpose “ purposive behavior” synonyms: goal-directed purposeful serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal

PURPOSIVE definition: having, showing, or acting with a purpose, intention, or design. See examples of purposive used in a sentence.