English pronunciation · Words Starting with P

Purposes Pronunciation

Purposes is pronounced PUR-puh-suhz, IPA /ˈpɝpəsəz/.

PUR-puh-suhz

US /ˈpɝpəsəz/  ·  UK /ˈpɜːpəsɪz/

Syllables: PUR · puh · suhz (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun (plural of purpose): The reasons things are done, or the aims people have in mind.

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Purposes in a Sentence

  • The money is set aside for two purposes.
  • For tax purposes the car counts as a benefit.
  • They used the hall for all sorts of purposes.

Common Mispronunciations of Purposes

Not PUR-poh-zuhz

No oh survives in the middle of purposes, which is why it is not built like proposes.

Not PUR-puh-sis

That ending buzzes, suhz with a z, rather than hissing its way out as sis.

Tip: Three beats, PUR-puh-suhz, and the middle one is the weakest of them.

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