What is a major purpose of statements not offered for their truth?

Statements that are not offered for their truth serve a significant purpose in legal proceedings, particularly in the realm of evidence. When such statements are presented to the court, their primary function often revolves around providing context to a listener and establishing notice. This means that the statement's value does not lie in whether its content is true or false, but rather in the fact that it was made and the impact it has on the listener's knowledge or understanding.

For instance, if a party introduces a statement merely to show that the statement was made, this can help establish that the listener had knowledge of certain facts or circumstances, which can influence the case and how evidence is interpreted. This is especially relevant in situations where the listener's state of mind or reaction to the statement is important to the case at hand.

The other choices provided describe purposes that either do not align with the function of statements not offered for their truth, or are significantly less relevant. Therefore, recognizing the role of these statements in providing notice or context is crucial in understanding their purpose in legal proceedings.