Definition of on purpose

The phrase "on purpose" has a fascinating history. It originated in Old English, where "on" was a preposition meaning "with" or "by," and "purpose" meant "intention." "On purpose" essentially meant "with intention" or "by intention." The phrase evolved over time, becoming the familiar "on purpose" we use today, meaning "intentionally." The "on" has lost its prepositional meaning and now simply emphasizes the intentional nature of the action.