cross-purpose
See also: cross purpose
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Attested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’[1]
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun edit
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 edit
Translations edit
contrary purpose or understanding
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References edit
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024), “cross”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.