When should you use purposely vs purposefully? It’s a good question, because these words are similar in sound and meaning, so they often get mixed up.
Here we’re going to explain the difference between purposely and purposefully so you can understand what these words mean and how to use them correctly in English.
We have included plenty of example sentences to give you more context around when to use purposefully or purposely. So, next time you need to use one of these words in a sentence, you can be confident you’re making the right choice.
Purposely vs purposefully
Let’s begin by looking at the similarities between these two words.
First of all, purposely and purposefully are both adverbs. Adverbs can be used to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a whole clause or sentence.
Secondly, it’s clear to see that they both have the same root word: ‘purpose’. So, both adverbs relate to reaching a particular goal or aim; a sense of intention when performing an action.
Having recognized these similarities, we need to look at the differences between the definitions of purposely and purposefully. Since the difference is quite subtle, it can also help to understand the antonyms (opposites) of these words.
Purposely
Definition: On purpose; deliberately; intentionally
Antonyms: Accidentally; by accident; unintentionally
When you do something purposely, you intend to do it. The opposite is to do something accidentally, not intending to do it.
Purposefully
Definition: With a sense of purpose; with determination to achieve the intended purpose
Antonyms: Aimlessly; hesitantly; without any real purpose
When you do something purposefully, you not only intend to do it, but you have a sense of determination and a strong desire to achieve the purpose. The opposite is to do something without any particular purpose in mind or without determination.
It’s fair to say that all things done purposefully are done purposely (we can’t accidentally do something with a strong sense of purpose). Purposefully tells us more about the attitude of the person doing the action.
Example sentences using purposely
- Katie purposely failed the test so that her teacher would pay more attention to her.
- I purposely keep my calendar clear every Friday afternoon so I can leave work early.
- If you keep purposely belittling your colleagues it will create a difficult working environment.
- I believe it’s wrong for any human being to purposely harm another.
- I’m sure they purposely make this cafe too hot so people don’t stay too long.
- The room is purposely designed to have a calming effect.
- Samuel, do you purposely make such a mess when you eat?
- If you keep your phone on silent, you won’t be disturbed unless you check it purposely.
Example sentences using purposefully
- James strode purposefully into the room, ready to propose to his girlfriend.
- The protesters purposefully marched around the town.
- Lilian left the room purposefully.
- The group is moving purposefully through the crowd. You’d better keep an eye on them.
Summary of using purposely or puposefully
Remember, both words are adjectives and describe doing something with intention.
Purposely just means that the action is intended, whereas purposefully suggests it is being done with some determination towards the purpose.
Additionally, all actions that are done purposefully are, by definition, also done purposely. But the same is not true the other way round.
We hope this helps you to understand how to use purposely vs purposefully. If you have a question or would like to share your own example sentence then please leave a reply below. And feel free to browse some of our other articles about words that are often mixed up.
