How do you pronounce "purposeful"?

In American English: /ˈpɝːpəsfəl/ (PURP-uhsf-uhl). In British English: /pˈɜːpəsfəl/ (P-ɜp-uhsf). In Canadian English: /ˈpɝːpəsfəl/ (PURP-uhsf-uhl). In Australian English: /pˈɜːpəsfəl/ (P-ɜp-uhsf).

Is "purposeful" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpɝːpəsfəl/ (PURP-uhsf-uhl), while in British English it's /pˈɜːpəsfəl/ (P-ɜp-uhsf).

How to Pronounce "purposeful"

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purposeful

regional

/ˈpɝːpəsfəl/

PURP-uhsf-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

pɝːppur·əsfpose·əlful

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14