all-purpose
|all/pur/pose|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːl ˈpɜːrpəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːl ˈpɜːpəs/
suitable for any use
Etymology
Etymology Information
'all-purpose' originates from the combination of 'all' and 'purpose', where 'all' meant 'every' and 'purpose' meant 'intended use or function'.
Historical Evolution
'all-purpose' has remained largely unchanged in its form and meaning since its inception in English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'suitable for any purpose', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
suitable for many different uses or functions.
This is an all-purpose cleaner that works on any surface.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45