Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
all-purpose

all-purpose

14 3.2
Can be used for many different things, like cooking or cleaning
  • adjective
  • /ɔlˈpɜr.pəs/
translation icon : multifuncional
  • The SO to clean the desk I'm using this all-purpose cleaner from method.
  • an all-purpose tool
  • all-purpose fiber
  • all-purpose cloth

Just a general all-purpose seed starting mix with a slow release fertilizer is great.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Spray stove spills with an all-purpose cleaner and let stand for 10 minutes for easier cleaning.

    Blog text (33)

  • This is an all-purpose dress.

    Baby Boy (2001)

  • This, gentlemen, is my all-purpose military vehicle.

    The Three Stooges in Orbit (1962)

  • So I was trying to find an all-purpose shoe.

  • This is a lightweight all-purpose joint compound made by Three M Really good stuff.

    MIgardener

  • A bronze patera served as an all-purpose cooking pot, cup, and food bowl.

  • I am hunting for a good all-purpose e-mail software package to reduce clutter, but I haven't found it yet.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Inside, the energetic Vietnamese owner, Pham Van, presides over his all-purpose establishment: part general store, part barber shop, part saloon.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Hand-woven baskets became their all-purpose tools for carrying and storing foodstuffs; hence, the name of this cultural period for the Anasazi.

    Academic text (1996)

  • This is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used on any surface.

Synonyms

universal
vsall-purpose
32 5.6

Made to work with different sizes or types

applies to every type of use rather than only adaptable cases
multipurpose
vsall-purpose
6 3.4

Can be used in many different ways, like cleaning or fixing

covers all types of use instead of only several
general-purpose
vsall-purpose
4 3.9

Useful for many different tasks and situations

is suitable for every type of use rather than many

Antonyms

limited
97 1.9

Having only a small, specific role in an activity

specialized
  • US
70 5.4

Made for a particular job, activity, or area

How Versatile

universal
439 4.2
all-purpose
14 3.2
versatile
55 6.3
specialized
  • US
70 5.4

Surface Forms

all-purpose positive

Morphology

all-purpose = all + purpose (transparent) = all + purpose

The meaning follows directly from the clear combination of 'all' + 'purpose' meaning suitable for every purpose.

Etymology

All-purpose is simply the words all and purpose put together, where purpose means 'aim' or 'use', so all-purpose literally means 'for every aim or use'. That's why an all-purpose tool, cleaner, or shoe is made to do many different jobs.