Is there a difference between the terms “purpose” vs “plan”?
Both words are generally used when it comes to working towards achieving a goal.
The English dictionary defines the term “purpose” as an object to be reached, a goal, an aim, or a target. The word “plan” also refers to a set of intended actions, usually mutually related, through which one expects to achieve a goal.
As a noun, the term “plan” refers to a drawing showing the technical details of a building or machine.
“Purpose” is the intention or reason behind a decision or an action. “Plan” is more of a specific strategy taken to achieve positive results or goals.
What Is the Meaning of Purpose?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term “purpose” as an object to be reached, a goal, an aim or a target. It’s a result that is desired and an intention.
“Purpose” also refers to the act of intending to do something. It’s the reason for which something is done or why it’s done in a particular way.
As a transitive verb, “purpose” means to have set as one’s purpose, resolve to accomplish, intend, plan. It’s usually linked to our beliefs and values in life. Knowing you have a purpose in life offers a sense of direction and real meaning of life.
One who has a purpose stays focused, fulfilled, and motivated.
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Purpose vs Plan: Etymology
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term “purpose” is from Middle English ‘purpos’ from Anglo-French ‘puposer’ meaning to intend, purpose and from Latin ‘proponere’- to propose.
What Is the Meaning of “Plan”?
As a noun, the term “plan” refers to a drawing that shows technical details of a building, machine, city, etc. A plan is a drawing showing technical details, with unwanted details omitted and often using symbols rather than detailed drawings to represent doors, valves, etc.
The word “plan” also refers to a set of intended actions usually mutually related, through which one expects to achieve a goal.
As a transitive verb, “plan” refers to a design created by architects and engineers.
A plan is an important proposal for achieving objectives and goals- it’s a roadmap outlining the steps required to accomplish a certain goal.
Generally, a plan can be short-term or long-term based on what is intended to be achieved. Making a strategic plan is vital an accomplishing a goal or mission.
A well-planned event, area, setting, or mission ensures a satisfying outcome.
Purpose vs Plan: Etymology
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term “plan” as a drawing or diagram drawn on a plan such as a large-scale map of a small area, a method of achieving an end, a top or horizontal view of an object, and an often customary method of doing something.
The word “plan” was first used in the early 18th century. It’s from the French ‘plane foundation, ground plan’- from the Latin ‘planum’, meaning level ground.
The word “plan” is also partly from the French ‘planter, meaning to fix in place.
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Purpose vs Plan: Key Difference between Purpose and Plan
Purpose and plan are words with similar meanings since they both emphasize on the act of intending to do something.
The term “purpose” is defined as an object to be reached, a goal, an aim or a target. It’s a result that is desired and an intention.
“Purpose” also refers to the act of intending to do something. It’s the reason for which something is done or why it’s done is a particular way.
The term “plan” on the other hand (as a noun) refers to a drawing that shows technical details of a building, machine, city, etc.
The word “plan” also refers to a set of intended actions usually mutually related, through which one expects to achieve a goal.
A plan is an important proposal for achieving objectives and goals- it’s a roadmap outlining the steps required to accomplish a certain goal.
Generally, a plan can be short-term or long-term based on what is intended to be achieved. Making a strategic plan is vital in accomplishing a goal or mission.
As a transitive verb, “purpose” means to have set as one’s purpose, resolve to accomplish, intend, plan. It’s usually linked to our beliefs and values in life. Knowing you have a purpose in life offers a sense of direction and real meaning of life.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term “plan” as a drawing or diagram drawn on a plan such as a large-scale map of a small area, a method of achieving an end, a top or horizontal view of an object, and an often customary method of doing something.
Purpose vs Plan: Compare with Definitions
- Purpose: It’s the object to be reached, a target, an aim, or a goal.
- Plan: Any diagram showing technical details of a building or machine. The term “plan” is often understood as a temporary set of intended actions through which an individual expects to accomplish a goal.
- Purpose: It’s the subject of discourse, the point at issue.
- Plan: To create a plan for. An orderly conception for achieving a goal.
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Purpose vs Plan: Examples of Sentences with the terms “Purpose” and “Plan”.
Let’s look at a few examples of sentences with the terms “purpose” and “plan”.
Simple Sentences with the word “Purpose”
- Mr Marshall was a man of purpose.
- My purpose in life is to guide others to know the truth about the universe.
- Our purpose of travelling all the way here is to win the state championship.
- I doubt he has a purpose for coming here because he doesn’t know what he is doing.
- Maria pursued a career in medicine with the purpose of becoming an orthodontist.
- Mrs Noah’s purpose in life is to care for homeless people, especially children.
- The purpose of her research is to find a cure for the virus.
- The purpose of this gathering is to discuss pressing matters in the neighbourhood.
- Our purpose for raising this money is to hire a good lawyer to defend our daughter.
- The purpose of this event is to educate the community on family planning.
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Simple Sentences with Plan
- We need to come up with a plan if we are to get out of this situation unhurt.
- They showed him a detailed plan of the building, but he was not impressed.
- She has no plan of going out with anyone on Christmas Eve.
- I got a call from the hospital, so I had to cancel our plan of meeting today.
- The family planned to stay for three weeks, but they left because of the weather conditions.
- The CEO plans to open a new branch downtown.
- They only planned to feed about one thousand people at the event.
- Micah planned to surprise his mum on her 50th birthday.
- Rosie came up with a plan to raise money for the orphanage.
- The plan was for the team to arrive at the stadium two hours before kick-off.
Conclusion
The term “purpose” refers to the act of intending to do something. It’s the reason for which something is done or why it’s done in a particular way.
A plan is an important proposal for achieving objectives and goals- it’s a roadmap outlining the steps required to accomplish a certain goal.
