purpose

but, raison

Raison pour laquelle une chose existe ou est faite, ou résultat que quelqu’un souhaite atteindre.

En anglais simple : The reason something exists or is done, or what someone wants to achieve.

• What is the purpose of this tool?
• She explained the purpose of her visit.
• These boxes serve several different purposes.

Comment l'utiliser : purpose of something (What is the purpose of this button?); for the purpose of doing something (The room is used for the purpose of storing tools.)

Synonymes : aim, reason, goal, function

Expressions courantes : purpose of something, for a purpose, serve a purpose, main purpose

fonction

Rôle d’une chose ou usage auquel elle est destinée.

En anglais simple : The job that something does or the way it is meant to be used.

• What is the purpose of this tool?
• The old box serves a useful purpose.
• These rooms have different purposes.

Comment l'utiliser : the purpose of something (The purpose of this button is to turn the lights off.)

Synonymes : function, role

Expressions courantes : serve a purpose, main purpose, practical purpose

se proposer de, avoir l'intention de

Décider ou prévoir de faire quelque chose.

En anglais simple : To decide or plan to do something.

• I purpose to leave tomorrow.
• They purposed to build a school.
• He had purposed to return before winter.

Comment l'utiliser : purpose to do something (She purposed to finish the journey alone.)

Synonymes : intend, plan, resolve

Expressions courantes : purpose to return, purpose to leave