Purpose vs. Role

Purpose vs. Role — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Purpose and Role

Purposenoun

An object to be reached; a target; an aim; a goal. "purpose".

Rolenoun

A character or part played by a performer or actor.

My neighbor was the lead role in last year's village play.Her dream was to get a role in a Hollywood movie, no matter how small.

Purposenoun

A result that is desired; an intention.

Rolenoun

The expected behaviour of an individual in a society.

The role of women has changed significantly in the last century.

Purposenoun

The act of intending to do something; resolution; determination.

Rolenoun

The function or position of something.

Local volunteers played an important role in cleaning the beach after the oil spill.What rôle does the wax in your earhole fulfill?
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Purposenoun

The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

Rolenoun

Designation that denotes an associated set of responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and attitudes

The project manager role is responsible for ensuring that everyone on the team knows and executes his or her assigned tasks.

Purposenoun

The reason for which something is done, or the reason it is done in a particular way.

The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.

Rolenoun

(grammar): The function of a word in a phrase.

Purposenoun

(obsolete) Instance; example.

Rolenoun

the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group;

the function of a teacherthe government must do its partplay its role
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Purposeverb

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

Rolenoun

an actor's portrayal of someone in a play;

she played the part of Desdemona

Purposeverb

To design for some purpose.

Rolenoun

what something is used for;

the function of an auger is to bore holesballet is beautiful but what use is it?

Purposeverb

To discourse.

Rolenoun

normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting;

what is your role on the team?

Purposenoun

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;

his intent was to provide a new translationgood intentions are not enoughit was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needshe made no secret of his designs

Purposenoun

what something is used for;

the function of an auger is to bore holesballet is beautiful but what use is it?

Purposenoun

the quality of being determined to do or achieve something;

his determination showed in his every movementhe is a man of purpose

Purposeverb

propose or intend;

I aim to arrive at noon

Purposeverb

reach a decision;

he resolved never to drink again