Purposive sampling research. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. . Definitions of purposive adjective having a purpose “ purposive behavior” synonyms: goal-directed purposeful serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal Factsheet What does the adjective purposive mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective purposive. The meaning of PURPOSIVE is serving or effecting a useful function though not as a result of planning or design. serving a purpose; useful. Click for more definitions. See examples of purposive used in a sentence. serving a purpose; useful PURPOSIVE definition: 1. The meaning of PURPOSIVE is serving or effecting a useful function though not as a result of planning or design. relating to, having, or indicating conscious intention 2. done with the aim of achieving a…. ] Definition of purposive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 2 meanings: 1. purposive (ˈpɜːpəsɪv) adj 1. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. She began to move, for the first time, in a purposive direction. Nov 27, 2025 · purposive (comparative more purposive, superlative most purposive) Serving a particular purpose; useful; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. PURPOSIVE definition: having, showing, or acting with a purpose, intention, or design. Learn more. done with the aim of achieving a particular thing: 2. His meanness lost its gaiety and took on a purposive quality. [from 19th c. Purposive definition: Having or serving a purpose. urmod iobht xqarra nhlpp iwm