English · Greetings & Phrases
on purpose
/ɒn ˈpɜːrpəs/
[/ɒn ˈpɜːrpəs/]
intentionally
Intermediatephrase
Definition
Done deliberately and intentionally, not by accident.
Example
I didn't break it on purpose; it was an accident.
I didn't break it on purpose; it was an accident.
Etymology
From 'purpose', meaning intention, with 'on' marking the manner of action.
How & Where It’s Used
Common when discussing intention versus accident.