Crossword Genius

Some cause or purpose (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

use

'purpose' is the definition.
('use' can be a synonym of 'purpose')

'some cause or' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'USE' is hidden within 'cause or'.

(Other definitions for use that I've seen before include "Exploit unfairly" , "Avail oneself of" , "Benefit" , "Custom - service" , "Value" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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