How to pronounce purchase
Say it like PUR-chus. Purchase has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce purchase. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- chus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purchase pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- chusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of purchase
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-chis.
What does purchase mean?
- the acquisition of something for payment“they closed the purchase with a handshake”
- something acquired by purchase
- a means of exerting influence or gaining advantage“he could get no purchase on the situation”
- obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction“The family purchased a new car”“The conglomerate acquired a new company”
Where does purchase come from?
From Middle English purchasen, from Anglo-Norman purchacer (“seek to obtain”) from pur- (from Latin pro-) + chac(i)er (“to chase, pursue”).
Questions about saying purchase
How do you pronounce purchase?
Say PUR-chus. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝtʃəs/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːtʃɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purchase?
Purchase has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · chus.
Is purchase pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɜːtʃɪs/ (PUR-chis).