cross-purpose

cross-purpose
cross-purpose cross"-pur`pose (-p?r`p?s), n. 1. A counter or opposing purpose; a contrary aim; hence, that which is inconsistent or contradictory. --Shaftesbury. [1913 Webster]

2. pl. A conversational game, in which questions and answers are made so as to involve ludicrous combinations of ideas. --Pepys. [1913 Webster]

{To be at cross-purposes}, to misunderstand or to act counter to one another without intending it; -- said of persons. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Cross Purpose — Studio album by Spooky Tooth Released Feb 23, 1999 Recorded Jul 22, 1 …   Wikipedia

  • Cross purpose — Cross Cross (kr[o^]s), a. 1. Not parallel; lying or falling athwart; transverse; oblique; intersecting. [1913 Webster] The cross refraction of the second prism. Sir I. Newton. [1913 Webster] 2. Not accordant with what is wished or expected;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cross-purpose — [krôs′pʉr′pəs] n. a contrary or conflicting purpose at cross purposes having, or acting under, a misunderstanding as to each other s purposes …   English World dictionary

  • cross-purpose — cross′ pur′pose n. an opposing or contrary purpose • at cross purposes Etymology: 1660–70 …   From formal English to slang

  • cross-purpose — noun Date: 1668 a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else usually used in plural < the two were always working at cross purposes > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • cross-purpose — /kraws perr peuhs, kros /, n. 1. an opposing or contrary purpose. 2. at cross purposes, in a way that involves or produces mutual misunderstanding or frustration, usually unintentionally. [1660 70] * * * …   Universalium

  • cross-purpose — noun A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one. We are working at cross purposes here, if youre trying to reduce the count and Im trying to increase it …   Wiktionary

  • cross-purpose — /krɒs ˈpɜpəs / (say kros perpuhs) noun 1. an opposing or contrary purpose. –phrase 2. be at cross purposes, (sometimes followed by with) to be involved in a misunderstanding, such that each person makes a wrong interpretation of the other s… …  

  • cross-purpose — noun a contrary aim (Freq. 1) at cross purposes • Hypernyms: ↑purpose, ↑intent, ↑intention, ↑aim, ↑design …   Useful english dictionary

  • cross purpose — contrary purpose, purpose that opposes another, involuntarily conflicting purpose …   English contemporary dictionary

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