harbor a motive; deliberately
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to harbor an intention; to have a particular motive
Often followed by a description of the motive, which can be positive, negative, or neutral, though it's often used for dubious or bad intentions. The structure is typically '存心 + [motive phrase]'.
He did this, obviously harboring ill intentions.
I don't know what motive he had when he said these words.
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I genuinely intended to help you, nothing else.
adverb
deliberately; on purpose
informalUsed to modify a verb, emphasizing that an action was done intentionally, often implying the action causes trouble or difficulty. Commonly used in rhetorical questions or accusatory statements.
Aren't you doing this on purpose to make things difficult for me?
He deliberately turned the volume up very loud, disturbing everyone's rest.
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Don't be angry, he didn't do it on purpose.