purposely-kept
|pur-pose-ly-kept|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈpɜːrpəsli kɛpt/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɜːpəsli kɛpt/
intentionally maintained
Etymology
Etymology Information
'purposely-kept' originates from the combination of 'purpose' and 'keep,' where 'purpose' meant 'intention' and 'keep' meant 'to maintain or preserve.'
Historical Evolution
'purposely-kept' evolved from the Old English word 'cepan,' meaning 'to seize or hold,' combined with 'purpose' from Latin 'propositum,' meaning 'intention.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'intentionally held or maintained,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
intentionally maintained or preserved for a specific purpose.
The garden was purposely-kept to attract butterflies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/20 02:45