The phrase "for intents and purposes" is commonly used to mean "in effect" or "for all practical purposes". It is spelled as /fɔr ˈɪntɛnts ənd ˈpɜrpəsɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "for", is pronounced with the short o sound followed by the r sound. The second word, "intents", is pronounced with the short i sound followed by the n sound, a t sound, and a z sound at the end. The third word, "and", is pronounced with the schwa sound followed by the d sound. Lastly, the word "purposes" is pronounced with the short u sound followed by the p sound, an ə sound, the r sound, the p sound again, and the s sound at the end.
For intents and purposes is a phrase used to convey that, while something might not be entirely accurate or an exact representation of reality, it is functionally equivalent or close enough to be considered as such in practice or in a particular context. This expression is often employed to describe situations where the technical or precise details might not matter as much as the overall outcome or practical effect.
The phrase "for intents and purposes" is commonly used to act as a qualifier or disclaimer, acknowledging that there may be some minor discrepancies or deviations from complete accuracy, but these differences are inconsequential or negligible for practical purposes. It implies that, despite the mentioned distinctions, the thing being discussed can effectively serve the intended purpose or fulfill its designated role in a particular context.
For example, one might say "For intents and purposes, the two proposals are identical" to emphasize that, while there are some subtle variations between them, they are functionally equivalent and have the same overall effect or outcome. This phrase allows individuals to focus on the practical implications or results rather than getting caught up in minor details or technicalities that do not significantly affect the situation at hand.