Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Having or indicating purpose or design.

“Purposive characters.”

Bastian.

Purposive

modification of structure in a bone.

Owen.

It is impossible that the frog should perform actions more

purposive

than these.

Huxley.

purposive ‎(comparative more purposive, superlative most purposive)

Serving a particular purpose; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution. [from 19th c.]
Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent. [from 19th c.]
- 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin 2003, p. 191:
  Other ecclesiastics [...] were similarly accepting of a space for purposive and beneficent human action and betterment in a disenchanted world.
(psychology) Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity. [from 19th c.]
Pertaining to or demonstrating purpose. [from 19th c.]
- 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 78:
  The world was generally agreed to be a purposive one, responsive to the wishes of its Creator […].
Possessed of a firm purpose; determined, resolute. [from 20th c.]
(grammar) Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose. [from 20th c.]

expressing purpose (grammar)