Learn How to Pronounce purpose

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purpose

Definition:

(nou) an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions (nou) what something is used for (nou) the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpɜːpəs

Examples:

It was the targetting of civilians for the purpose of intimidation.

The purpose of the steps is to aid in the achievement of the over arching goal.

That is the purpose of the interview.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: purpose

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Common mistakes of purpose pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "pur-ˈpose". The correct pronunciation has primary stress on the first syllable: "ˈpɜr.pəs" (US) / "ˈpɜː.pəs" (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable.
  2. Omitting the vowel sound: It's common to drop the unstressed vowel in "purpose", leading to "ˈpɜr.pəs" sounding like "ˈpɜr.ps". This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice saying the full "pəs" sound at the end.
  3. Incorrect vowel pronunciation: Some may pronounce "purpose" with a short "u" sound, saying "ˈpʌr.pəs". However, the correct vowel sound is a mid-central "ɜr". Tip: Listen to native speakers to hear the correct vowel sound.
  4. Adding extra syllables: Learners sometimes add an extra syllable, pronouncing it as "pur-ˈpo-ses". The correct pronunciation is two syllables: "ˈpɜr.pəs". Tip: Break it down into two clear syllables for accuracy.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "purpose" with "purposely" or "purposed", leading to mispronunciation. Remember, "purpose" is pronounced "ˈpɜr.pəs". Tip: Familiarize yourself with the distinct sounds of each word.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "purpose" in American English?

In American English, "purpose" is pronounced as /ˈpɜr.pəs/. The first syllable has primary stress, making it sound like "PUR-pəs."

What is the British English pronunciation of "purpose"?

In British English, "purpose" is also pronounced as /ˈpɜː.pəs/. The main difference is in the vowel sound of the first syllable, which is slightly longer than in American English.

Does "purpose" have a schwa sound in it?

Yes, "purpose" contains a schwa sound in the second syllable, which is pronounced as /pəs/. The schwa is represented by the "e" in the spelling, making it sound like "pəs."

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "purpose"?

A common mistake is to stress the second syllable instead of the first, saying "pur-POS." Remember to emphasize the first syllable, as in "PUR-pəs," to pronounce it correctly.
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