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Purposive vs Systematic - What's the difference?

purposive | systematic | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between purposive and systematic

is that purposive is serving a particular purpose; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution while systematic is carried out using a planned, ordered procedure.

purposive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Serving a particular purpose; adapted to a given purpose, especially through natural evolution.
  • Done or performed with a conscious purpose or intent.
  • *2002 , , The Great Nation , Penguin 2003, p. 191:
  • *:Other ecclesiastics [...] were similarly accepting of a space for purposive and beneficent human action and betterment in a disenchanted world.
  • (psychology) Pertaining to purpose, as reflected in behaviour or mental activity.
  • Pertaining to to or demonstrating purpose.
  • *1971 , , Religion and the Decline of Magic , Folio Society 2012, p. 78:
  • *:The world was generally agreed to be a purposive one, responsive to the wishes of its Creator […].
  • Possessed of a firm purpose; determined, resolute.
  • (grammar) Of a clause or conjunction: expressing purpose.
  • Usage notes

    * Objects: behavior, action, interpretation, sample, etc.

    systematic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * systematick

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Carried out using a planned, ordered procedure
  • Methodical, regular and orderly
  • Of, or relating to taxonomic classification
  • (proscribed) Of, relating to, or being a system
  • Antonyms

    * chaotic * haphazard * unsystematic

    Derived terms

    * systematically * systematicity * systematics