all-purpose

/'ɔ:l'pə:pəs/

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The word "all-purpose" is an adjective that means something is not limited in use or function. It can be used in many different situations or for various tasks.

Simple Explanation:

When we say something is "all-purpose," it means you can use it for many things, not just one specific thing.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "all-purpose" before a noun to describe something that can be used for multiple functions.
• It's often used with products, tools, or materials.

Examples:

1. All-purpose flour: This type of flour can be used to bake many different kinds of bread and pastries.
2. All-purpose cleaner: This cleaner can be used on various surfaces in your home, like counters, floors, and bathrooms.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "all-purpose" can describe skills or attributes that are versatile. For example, you might say, "She is an all-purpose employee who can handle marketing, customer service, and administration."

Word Variants:

• All-purposefulness (noun): The quality of being able to serve multiple purposes.
• All-purpose item (noun): An object designed for many uses.

Different Meanings:

While "all-purpose" primarily refers to versatility, it can also imply practicality or convenience, suggesting that something is useful in everyday situations.

Synonyms:

• Versatile
• Multifunctional
• Universal
• General-purpose

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "all-purpose," but you might hear phrases like "jack of all trades," meaning a person who can do many different kinds of work, similar to something that is all-purpose.

Summary:

In summary, "all-purpose" describes anything that is multifunctional and can be used in various situations.

Academic

Adjective

1. not limited in use or function

Synonyms

• general-purpose