Topic vs. Purpose: What's the Difference?
Topic and Purpose Definitions
Topic
The subject of a speech, essay, thesis, or discourse.
Purpose
The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.
Topic
A subject of discussion or conversation.
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Topic
A subdivision of a theme, thesis, or outline.
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Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
Topic
(Linguistics) A word or phrase in a sentence, usually providing information from previous discourse or shared knowledge, that the rest of the sentence elaborates or comments on. Also called theme.
Purpose
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.
Topic
Topical
Purpose
Function, role.
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Topic
Subject; theme; a category or general area of interest.
A society where a topic cannot be discussed, does not have free speech.
Stick to the topic
An interesting topic of conversation
Romance is a topic that frequently comes up in conversation
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Topic
(Internet) Discussion thread.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Topic
(music) A musical sign intended to suggest a particular style or genre.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
Topic
(obsolete) An argument or reason.
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
Topic
An external local application or remedy, such as a plaster, a blister, etc.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Topic
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, - denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics.
Purpose
To discourse.
Topic
An argument or reason.
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
Purpose
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.
Topic
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Topic
An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.
Purpose
Instance; example.
Topic
Topical.
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
Topic
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Purpose
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
Topic
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Purpose
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
Purpose
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Purpose
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Purpose
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Purpose
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
