How to pronounce purpose
Say it like PUR-pus. Purpose 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 purpose. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- pus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purpose 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.
- pusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of purpose
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-pus.
What does purpose mean?
- an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions“his intent was to provide a new translation”“good intentions are not enough”
- what something is used for“the function of an auger is to bore holes”“ballet is beautiful but what use is it?”
- the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose“his determination showed in his every movement”“he is a man of purpose”
- propose or intend“I aim to arrive at noon”
- reach a decision“he resolved never to drink again”
Where does purpose come from?
From Middle English purpos, from Old French purposer (“to propose”) (with conjugation altered based on poser), from Latin prō- (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”), hence Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying purpose
How do you pronounce purpose?
Say PUR-pus. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝpəs/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːpəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purpose?
Purpose has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · pus.
Is purpose 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 /ˈpɜːpəs/ (PUR-pus).