How to Pronounce "purgatory"
word
ˈpɝɡəˌtɔɹi
PUR-guh-tor-ee
pˈɜːɡətəɹˌi
PUR-guh-tuh-ree
Definition
A place or state where souls are believed to be purified before entering heaven, according to some Christian beliefs. It can also be used more generally to describe any difficult or uncomfortable situation that feels like a temporary punishment.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɝɡəˌtɔɹi
British English
pˈɜːɡətəɹˌi
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PUR-guh-tor-ee
UK
PUR-guh-tuh-ree
Listen in Context
In some traditions, souls must pass through purgatory before reaching heaven.
The book describes purgatory as a place of cleansing.
She felt like her long recovery was a kind of purgatory.
Waiting for the exam results felt like endless purgatory.