Dictionary
List of exercises
Exercises by level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
OK
Meaning of purgatory in English
Pronunciation
/ˈpərɡəˌtɔri/
US accent
Your browser does not support the audio element.
How to pronounce purgatory in American English, in context
▾
Use the controls below
to browse different examples of pronunciation.
UK accent
How to pronounce purgatory in British English, in context
▾
Use the controls below
to browse different examples of pronunciation.
Noun
purgatory
Etymology
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French purgatorie or medieval Latin purgatorium, neuter (used as a noun) of late Latin purgatorius‘purifying’, from the verb purgare (see purge)
Definitions
1.
a temporary condition of torment or suffering
Examples
« a purgatory of drug abuse »
2.
(theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins