cross-purpose
See also: cross purpose
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editAttested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’[1]
Pronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Noun
editcross-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
editTranslations
editcontrary purpose or understanding
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References
edit- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “cross”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.