Topic vs. Purpose

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

Topicadjective

Topical.

Purposenoun

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

Topicnoun

Subject; theme; a category or general area of interest.

A society where a topic cannot be discussed, does not have free speech.

Purposenoun

A result that is desired; an intention.

Topicnoun

(Internet) Discussion thread.

Purposenoun

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

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Topicnoun

(obsolete) An argument or reason.

Purposenoun

The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

Topicnoun

An external local application or remedy, such as a plaster, a blister, etc.

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.

Topicnoun

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion;

he didn't want to discuss that subjectit was a very sensitive topichis letters were always on the theme of love

Purposenoun

(obsolete) Instance; example.

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Topicnoun

some situation or event that is thought about;

he kept drifting off the topiche had been thinking about the subject for several yearsit is a matter for the police

Purposeverb

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

Purposeverb

To design for some purpose.

Purposeverb

To discourse.

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