English pronunciation · Words Starting with P
Purpose Pronunciation
Purpose is pronounced PUR-puhs, IPA /ˈpɝpəs/.
PUR-puhs
US /ˈpɝpəs/ · UK /ˈpɜːpəs/
Syllables: PUR · puhs (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: The reason something is done, or the aim a person has in mind.
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Purpose in a Sentence
- The purpose of the meeting is to agree a budget.
- He broke it on purpose.
- A gap year gave her a sense of purpose.
Common Mispronunciations of Purpose
Not pur-POHZ
Do not let propose drag the ending into a long oh with a z. Purpose closes quietly on puhs.
Not PUR-pohs
Weaken the second vowel all the way to uh. Keeping it full makes the word sound like two halves bolted together.
Tip: Purpose and porpoise are near twins by ear; only the first vowel separates them.
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