How to pronounce purgatory
Say it like PUR-guh-tor-ee. Purgatory has four 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 purgatory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- guh
- tor
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purgatory 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.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- torGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of purgatory
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-guh-tuh-ree.
What does purgatory mean?
- Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.“the purgatory of lost love”
- Tending to cleanse; expiatory.
Where does purgatory come from?
From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”).
Questions about saying purgatory
How do you pronounce purgatory?
Say PUR-guh-tor-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝɡəˌtɔri/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːɡətəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purgatory?
Purgatory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · guh · tor · ee.
Is purgatory 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 /ˈpɜːɡətəri/ (PUR-guh-tuh-ree).