Purpose vs. Background — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Purpose refers to the reason something is done or created; background is the information that precedes or informs it.
Difference Between Purpose and Background
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purpose denotes the intention or objective behind an action, project, or existence, guiding subsequent decisions and actions. Background provides context, detailing preceding circumstances or information relevant to the current situation.
The purpose is forward-looking, setting goals or desired outcomes. Background looks backward, supplying the historical or situational context that underpins present conditions.
In terms of writing or presentation, the purpose outlines the aims of the document or speech, often stated explicitly. Background is the setting or situation that is explained, giving readers or listeners the necessary foundation to understand the purpose.
The purpose can often be summed up as an answer to "Why?" — why something is being done, why a project exists. Background answers "What?" and "How?" — what circumstances exist, and how they have come to be.
When planning, the purpose is the goal that drives the plan, providing a direction to head towards. Background is the starting point from which the plan develops, grounding it in reality.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The reason or objective
Preceding information or history
Orientation
Future-directed
Past-oriented
Role in Context
Drives action and decisions
Informs and sets the stage
Question Addressed
"Why is this being done?"
"What has happened before this?"
Example in Research
Defines study aims
Describes existing literature
Compare with Definitions
Purpose
Intended result
The purpose of the meeting is to improve communication.
Background
Backdrop information
The background of the issue is complex and multifaceted.
Purpose
Determination or resolve
She showed a strong sense of purpose.
Background
Cultural or educational past
His background in journalism was evident in his writing.
Purpose
Reason for existence
The organization's purpose is to protect wildlife.
Background
Preceding conditions
The project's background was thoroughly researched.
Purpose
The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.
Background
The part of a picture, scene, or design that forms a setting for the main figures or objects, or appears furthest from the viewer
The word is written in white on a red background
The house stands against a background of sheltering trees
Purpose
The usefulness or function
The tool's purpose is to tighten bolts.
Background
The circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event
The political and economic background
Background information
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Background
Form a background to
Windswept land backgrounded by the Rockies
Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
Background
Provide with background
The embassy backgrounded American reporters
Purpose
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.
Background
The ground or scenery located behind something.
Purpose
Function, role.
Background
The part of a pictorial representation that appears to be in the distance and that provides relief for the principal objects in the foreground.
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Background
The general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Background
A position, area, or situation that is not immediately in one's attention or notice
You can hear traffic moving in the background during the interview.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
Background
(Computers) The environment in which programs operate that the user does not engage with directly
Processes that run in the background.
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
Background
The circumstances and events surrounding or leading up to an event or occurrence.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Background
A person's experience, training, and education
Her background in the arts is impressive.
Purpose
To discourse.
Background
The cultural or social environment in which a person was brought up or has lived
A class with students from many different backgrounds.
Purpose
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.
Background
Subdued music played especially as an accompaniment to dialogue in a dramatic performance.
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Background
Sound that intrudes on or interferes with an audio recording.
Purpose
Instance; example.
Background
Low-level radiation, as from radioactive decay, that exists as part of the natural environment.
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
Background
Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.
Background noise
The antivirus program runs on a background thread.
Purpose
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
Background
One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.
The lawyer had a background in computer science.
Purpose
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
Background
A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
Purpose
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Background
Information relevant to the current situation about past events; history.
Purpose
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Background
A less important feature of scenery (as opposed to foreground).
There was tons of noise in the background.
The photographer let us pick a background for the portrait.
Purpose
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Background
(computing) The image or color over which a computer's desktop items are shown (e.g. icons or application windows).
Purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Background
(computing) A type of activity on a computer that is not normally visible to the user.
The antivirus program is running in the background.
Purpose
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
Background
(physics) background radiation
Purpose
An aim or goal
His purpose in life is to help others.
Background
To put in a position that is not prominent.
Background
(journalism) To gather and provide background information (on).
Background
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
Background
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
Background
Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.
Background
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance.
A husband somewhere in the background.
Background
The set of conditions within which an action takes place, including the social and physical conditions as well as the psychological states of the participants; as, within the background of the massive budget deficits of the 1980's, new spending programs had little chance of passage by the congress.
Background
The set of conditions that precede and affect an action, such as the social and historical precedents for the event, as well as the general background{5}; as, against the background of their expulsion by the Serbs, the desire of Kosovars for vengeance is understandable though regrettable.
Background
The signals that may be detected by a measurement which are not due to the phenomenon being studied, and tend to make the measurement uncertain to a greater or lesser degree.
Background
An agreement between a journalist and an interviewee that the name of the interviewee will not be quoted in any publication, although the substance of the remarks may be reported; - often used in the phrase "on background". Compare deep background.
Background
A person's social heritage: previous experience or training;
He is a lawyer with a sports background
Background
The part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground;
He posed her against a background of rolling hills
Background
Information that is essential to understanding a situation or problem;
The embassy filled him in on the background of the incident
Background
Extraneous signals that can be confused with the phenomenon to be observed or measured;
They got a bad connection and could hardly hear one another over the background signals
Background
Relatively unimportant or inconspicuous accompanying situation;
When the rain came he could hear the sound of thunder in the background
Background
The state of the environment in which a situation exists;
You can't do that in a university setting
Background
(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear
Background
Scenery hung at back of stage
Background
Understate the importance or quality of;
He played down his royal ancestry
Background
Personal history
She has a background in law.
Background
Setting or circumstances
The novel has a Victorian England background.
Common Curiosities
How do I identify my purpose?
Reflect on your goals, passions, and what you hope to achieve or explain.
What defines a purpose?
A purpose is the intended goal or reason for something's existence or action.
Why is background important?
Background provides the necessary context to understand the current situation or behavior.
Can background affect purpose?
Yes, background information can shape and define the purpose.
Is background the same as history?
Background is broader, including history but also encompassing broader context like culture or education.
Does a person’s background influence their future?
It can, as it shapes experiences, opportunities, and perspectives.
Is the purpose always explicit?
Not always; sometimes it's implied or must be inferred from context.
What if my purpose is unclear?
Clarify through introspection, research, or discussion to find a definitive aim.
Does every action need a purpose?
Ideally, actions should have a purpose, though some may be habitual or unconscious.
How does background relate to experience?
Experience is a part of your background, comprising what you've learned and been through.
Can my background change?
While your history doesn't change, how you interpret or which parts you emphasize can evolve.
How detailed should a background be?
It should be detailed enough to provide understanding without overwhelming with irrelevancies.
Can there be multiple purposes?
Yes, actions or creations can have several purposes.
How do I use purpose and background in writing?
State your purpose clearly and provide background information as needed to support understanding.
How do I communicate my purpose?
Be clear and direct about your intentions or the goals you wish to accomplish.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
