How to pronounce purposeful
Say it like PUR-pus-ful. Purposeful has three 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 purposeful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- pus
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purposeful 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.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of purposeful
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-pus-ful.
What does purposeful mean?
- Having purpose: having intention or meaning; intentional.
- Having a purpose in mind; resolute; determined, full of determination.
Where does purposeful come from?
From purpose + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying purposeful
How do you pronounce purposeful?
Say PUR-pus-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝpəsfəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːpəsfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purposeful?
Purposeful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · pus · ful.
Is purposeful 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 /ˈpɜːpəsfəl/ (PUR-pus-ful).