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Purpose vs. Significance — What's the Difference?

Purpose vs. Significance — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Purpose and Significance

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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.

Significance

The quality of being worthy of attention; importance
Adolescent education was felt to be a social issue of some significance

Purpose

Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.

Significance

The meaning to be found in words or events
The significance of what was happening was clearer to me than to her

Purpose

To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
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Significance

The extent to which a result deviates from that expected to arise simply from random variation or errors in sampling.

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.

Significance

The state or quality of being significant
A matter of some significance.

Purpose

Function, role.

Significance

A meaning that is expressed or implied
What was the significance of that smile?.

Purpose

(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.

Significance

The extent to which something matters; importance
As a juror your opinion is of great significance for the outcome of the trial.

Purpose

Resolution; determination.

Significance

Meaning.
The significance of a gesture

Purpose

(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

Significance

The quality or state of being significant.

Purpose

(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

Significance

That which is signified; meaning; import; as, the significance of a nod, of a motion of the hand, or of a word or expression.

Purpose

(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

Significance

Importance; moment; weight; consequence.
With this brain I must work, in order to give significancy and value to the few facts which I possess.

Purpose

To discourse.

Significance

The quality of being significant;
Do not underestimate the significance of nuclear power

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.

Significance

A meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred;
The significance of his remark became clear only later
The expectation was spread both by word and by implication

Purpose

Proposal to another; discourse.

Significance

The message that is intended or expressed or signified;
What is the meaning of this sentence
The significance of a red traffic light
The signification of Chinese characters
The import of his announcement was ambigtuous

Purpose

Instance; example.

Purpose

To set forth; to bring forward.

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.

Purpose

To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.

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

Purpose

What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?

Purpose

The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose

Purpose

Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon

Purpose

Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again

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