TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does to all intents and purposes mean? 

• TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES (adverb)
  The adverb TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES has 1 sense:

1. in every practical sense

  Familiarity information: TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In every practical sense

Synonyms:

for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes; to all intents and purposes

Context example:

the rest are for all practical purposes useless

 Context examples 

Certainly, there can be no difference; for Robert will now to all intents and purposes be considered as the eldest son;—and as to any thing else, they are both very agreeable young men: I do not know that one is superior to the other.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)