How Do You Spell PURR?

Pronunciation: [pˈɜː] (IPA)

The word "purr" is spelled with four letters, yet it represents a sound often made by cats. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "purr" is transcribed as /pɜːr/. This transcription indicates that the word begins with an unvoiced bilabial plosive (/p/), followed by a mid-central vowel (/ɜː/), and ends with an alveolar approximant (/r/). The spelling of "purr" accurately reflects the sound it represents, making it a phonetically accurate word in the English language.

PURR Meaning and Definition

  1. Purr is a verb that refers to the soft, low, vibrating sound a cat makes, typically as a sign of contentment or pleasure. It is the characteristic sound produced by the rapid contraction and relaxation of certain throat muscles in feline species. Cats often purr when being stroked or petted, while taking a comfortable nap, or when in close proximity to their owners.

    The purring sound is typically gentle and continuous, described as a soothing hum that emanates from deep within the cat's throat. It is known to have a calming effect on both the cat itself and those around it. Purring can also be accompanied by other physical cues, such as the slight vibration of a cat's body, relaxed posture, half-closed eyes, and even kneading or treading motions with their paws.

    In addition to expressing contentment or pleasure, purring can also serve as a means of communication for cats. They may purr to convey a sense of safety, relaxation, or as a way to solicit attention or care. It is believed that purring may have evolved as a means for cats to communicate with their mothers and littermates from a young age.

    Overall, the act of purring is an integral part of a cat's behavior, signaling feelings of comfort, satisfaction, and a positive emotional state. It is a distinctive sound that has captivated and fascinated humans for centuries, as it provides a glimpse into the complex inner world of these beloved domesticated animals.

  2. A low vibratory murmur, like the sound of contentment made by a cat; purring thrill.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. See pur.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PURR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PURR

Etymology of PURR

The word "purr" has a sound symbolism, where the word itself imitates the soft, vibrating sound that a cat produces when it purrs. This onomatopoeic word originates from Middle English in the 14th century as "purren", which means to "whir, hum, or buzz". It can be traced back to the echoic sound "pur" or "purr" made by cats, which is then incorporated into the English language.

Idioms with the word PURR

  • purr like a cat The idiom "purr like a cat" refers to a person or an animal emitting a contented, relaxed, and soothing sound, similar to the purring sound made by a cat. It often implies a state of tranquility, comfort, or satisfaction.

Similar spelling words for PURR

Plural form of PURR is PURRS

Conjugate verb Purr

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have purred
you would have purred
he/she/it would have purred
we would have purred
they would have purred
I would have purr
you would have purr
he/she/it would have purr
we would have purr
they would have purr

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been purring
you would have been purring
he/she/it would have been purring
we would have been purring
they would have been purring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would purr
you would purr
he/she/it would purr
we would purr
they would purr

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be purring
you would be purring
he/she/it would be purring
we would be purring
they would be purring

FUTURE

I will purr
you will purr
he/she/it will purr
we will purr
they will purr

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be purring
you will be purring
he/she/it will be purring
we will be purring
they will be purring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have purred
you will have purred
he/she/it will have purred
we will have purred
they will have purred

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been purring
you will have been purring
he/she/it will have been purring
we will have been purring
they will have been purring

IMPERATIVE

you purr
we let´s purr

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to purr

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was purring
you were purring
he/she/it was purring
we were purring
they were purring

PAST PARTICIPLE

purred

PAST PERFECT

I had purred
you had purred
he/she/it had purred
we had purred
they had purred

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been purring
you had been purring
he/she/it had been purring
we had been purring
they had been purring

PRESENT

I purr
you purr
he/she/it purrs
we purr
they purr

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am purring
you are purring
he/she/it is purring
we are purring
they are purring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

purring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have purred
you have purred
he/she/it has purred
we have purred
they have purred

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been purring
you have been purring
he/she/it has been purring
we have been purring
they have been purring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it purr

SIMPLE PAST

I purred
you purred
he/she/it purred
we purred
they purred

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