Purse Meaning
Purse Definition & Usage
A small, often handheld bag used to carry personal items such as money, cosmetics, keys, and cards. Typically, a purse is associated with women’s fashion, but it can be used by anyone for the same purposes.
Examples
- "She reached into her purse to grab her wallet."
- "I forgot my purse at the café; I need to go back and find it."
- "The purse was a beautiful shade of blue, matching her dress perfectly."
- "He pulled out a few coins from his purse to pay for the coffee."
- "She always carries a small purse with just the essentials: phone, card, and a bit of cash."
To gather or form into folds or wrinkles, typically in reference to the skin around the lips or face.
Examples
- "She pursed her lips in disapproval."
- "He pursed his brow when he didn't understand the question."
- "With a deep sigh, she pursed her eyes in frustration."
- "His face lit up with a smile, but his lips remained pursed."
- "The actor pursed his lips to convey uncertainty in the scene."
Cultural Context
The word 'purse' has evolved from a broad term for any small bag to a specific type of accessory, often associated with women's fashion. While the original meaning referred to a simple cloth bag used to carry coins, it now covers a wide range of bags, from simple wallets to elaborate designer handbags. The term 'purse' is used more broadly in some regions like North America, while the word 'handbag' is more common in the UK for similar items.
The Mysterious Purse
Story
The Mysterious Purse
Lena was running late for work as usual, her mind racing through the tasks of the day. As she grabbed her purse and rushed out the door, she didn't notice the small detail—her purse had a strange bulge, unlike anything she'd ever felt before. It was a simple leather bag, dark brown with gold accents, one she had used for years. But today, it felt... different. In the bustling city street, Lena's purse seemed heavier than usual. She glanced at it, still puzzled, but her thoughts shifted as she entered the café for her morning coffee. At the counter, the barista smiled and asked, 'How’s the purse today? Got something interesting in there?' It was a running joke between them, as she often carried odd little trinkets from her travels. However, this time, as Lena set her purse on the counter, something inside it rustled. She hesitated, but curiosity got the better of her. Reaching inside, she pulled out a small, crumpled envelope. She frowned—she hadn’t put anything like this in her purse. With a quizzical look, she unfolded the paper and found a note that read: 'Meet me at the park bench by 3 PM.' No signature, just the cryptic message. Lena pursed her lips, wondering who could have left it there. Determined to find out, she spent the rest of her morning wondering. Could it be from someone she knew? Or was this some elaborate prank? As the day went on, the mysterious note weighed on her mind, tucked safely back in her purse. When the clock struck three, Lena found herself at the park, her purse still hanging by her side. She didn’t know what she was expecting, but as she sat on the bench, the sound of footsteps behind her made her heart skip a beat. 'Lena, I knew you'd come.' It was her old friend, Mia, who had been out of touch for months. 'Why the mystery?' Lena asked, still holding her purse tightly. Mia smiled mischievously and replied, 'Sometimes, a little surprise is just what you need.' Lena laughed and shook her head, feeling both relieved and amused by the whole situation. As they chatted, Lena realized that sometimes, a purse holds not just the physical things you carry, but also the unexpected twists of life itself.
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