purposive

The story

1. Middle Englishpurpos
2. Englishpurpose
3. English todaypurposive

From purpose + -ive. Compare purpositive.

First known use, by meaning

• from 19th c. Serving a particular purpose; useful; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution.
• from 19th c. Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to or demonstrating purpose.
• from 20th c. Possessed of a firm purpose.
• from 20th c. Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose.