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cross-purpose. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cross-purpose, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
cross-purpose in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
cross-purpose you have here. The definition of the word
cross-purpose will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Attested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’
Pronunciation
Noun
cross-purpose (plural cross-purposes)
- (idiomatic) A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one.
We are working at cross-purposes here, if you're trying to reduce the count and I'm trying to increase it.
Derived terms
Translations
contrary purpose or understanding
References