plural purposes
plural purposes
Learner's definition of PURPOSE
1
[count] : the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something目的；意图 -
The purpose of the new resort is to attract more tourists.这个新景点的目的是为了吸引更多的游客。
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There's little/no purpose in restarting the process. [=there is little/no reason to start the process again]重新启动这项程序的意义不大/没有任何意义。
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These ancient mounds were probably used for ceremonial purposes. [=were probably used in ceremonies]这些古冢可能是举行仪式时用的。
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Please keep a record of your receipts for tax/business purposes. [=for situations involving taxes/business]请保留收据用作税收/商业凭证。
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Everything on the boat serves a purpose. [=everything has a particular use or function]船上的每一样东西都有它的用处。
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The loans are small but they serve a good purpose.这些贷款数额不大，却很有用。
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We were happy to know that the money was being used for a good purpose. [=for something useful, important, etc.]我们高兴地得知，这笔钱用在了有意义的地方。
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She used her skills to (no) good purpose. [=she used her skills in a way that was (not) good or helpful]她把自己的技能用在了有/没有价值的地方。
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Changes had suddenly been made for no apparent purpose. [=for no clear reason]突然不明不白地出了变动。
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For the purpose(s) of this discussion, let's assume that sales will increase next year.为了方便讨论，咱们假设明年销售额会上涨。
2
[noncount] : the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something决心 -
She wrote with purpose. [=she knew exactly what she wanted to write]她写作时目的明确。
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Sometimes his life seemed to lack purpose or meaning.有时候，他的生活似乎缺少目标或者意义。
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He was a man of purpose. [=he was very clear about what he wanted to do and how to do it]他是一个目标明确的人。
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We started work again with a renewed sense of purpose.带着重新设定的目标，我们又干了起来。
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He showed great strength of purpose. [=he showed that he was very determined to achieve his goals]他表现出了极大的决心。
3
[count] : the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.目标 -
She knew from a young age that her sole purpose (in life) was to be a writer. [=she knew that all she wanted (in life) was to be a writer]她从小就知道，自己唯一的目标就是要当作家。
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We shared a common purpose. [=we had the same goals]我们有着共同的目标。
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He was searching for a higher purpose. [=a more meaningful reason to live, work, etc.]他正在寻求更高的目标。
on purpose
: in a way that is planned or intended : in a deliberate way故意地 -
Someone set the fire on purpose. [=purposely, intentionally]有人故意纵火。
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I knew she hadn't done it on purpose.我知道她不是故意为之。
to/for all intents and purposes
— see 1intent
to the purpose
old-fashioned
: appropriate to the situation恰当地