cross-purpose

See also: cross purpose

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Attested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’[1]

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

cross-purpose (plural cross-purposes)

  1. (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

References
  1. Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “cross”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
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