How to pronounce purposes
Say it like PUR-puh-suz. Purposes 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 purposes. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- puh
- suz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purposes 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.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- suzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of purposes
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-puh-siz.
What does purposes mean?
- plural of purpose How to pronounce purpose
- third-person singular simple present indicative of purpose How to pronounce purpose
Questions about saying purposes
How do you pronounce purposes?
Say PUR-puh-suz. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝpəsəz/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːpəsɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purposes?
Purposes has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · puh · suz.
Is purposes 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 /ˈpɜːpəsɪz/ (PUR-puh-siz).