Standard Lemma guide

cross-purpose

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • We are working at cross-purposes here, if you're trying to reduce the count and I'm trying to increase it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a contrary aim

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • at cross-purposes

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: purpose, intent, intention, aim, design

History

Etymology

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

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Cantonese: 南轅北轍 /南辕北辙 (naam4 jyun4 bak1 cit3) — contrary purpose or understanding
  • Finnish: ristiriita — contrary purpose or understanding
  • Polish: przeciwstawny zamysł — contrary purpose or understanding