purr
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /pɜːr/
KK: /pɜr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a soft, vibrating sound, often associated with contentment, especially by cats.
Example
The cat purred happily as it curled up on my lap.
Conversation
Did you hear my cat purr when I pet her?
Yeah, it's such a comforting sound!
She really loves it when I scratch her behind the ears.
Cats have such a way of showing their happiness with that purr.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hum
buzz
thrum
Antonyms
growl
roar
shout
noun
Definition
A soft, vibrating sound made by a cat when it is happy or content.
Example
The cat lay on my lap, making a gentle purr as it relaxed.
Conversation
Did you hear my cat purr when I was petting her?
Yeah, it was so cute!
I love that sound; it means she's happy.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a soft, vibrating sound, often used to describe the sound that cats make when they are content.
Example
The cat began to purr softly as I stroked its fur.
Tense Forms
Past: purred
Past Participle: purred
Conversation
Did you hear my cat purr when I pet her?
Yeah, it was so sweet!
I love how they purr when they're happy.
Root Explanation
The word 'purr' originates from Middle English 'purre', which is imitative of the sound made by a cat. It reflects the soft, vibrating sound that cats produce when they are content.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat making a soothing, vibrating sound — that's what 'purr' captures, as it mimics the actual noise made by a happy cat.
Visually Confused Words
purer
pur
spurry
purser
purler
puriri
purger
puerer