purr

/pə:/

Thân thiện

The cat purrs softly while curled up on the sofa.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A low, continuous, vibrating sound made by a cat, typically expressing contentment or pleasure.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • (Of a cat) To make a low, continuous, vibrating sound, usually indicating pleasure.
   • (Of a machine, especially an engine) To make a similar low, regular, smooth sound, often indicating quiet, efficient operation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The cat's gentle purr was soothing.
  • I could hear the contented purr of the kitten on my lap.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • The cat began to purr when I stroked its fur.
  • The expensive car's engine purred quietly as it idled.

Advanced Usage

• "to purr with contentment/delight": To purr as a clear expression of a positive feeling.
  • The cat purred with contentment in the warm sunbeam.
• Used figuratively for a person to speak in a low, soft, pleased voice.
  • "That's perfect," she purred into the phone.

Variants and Related Words

• Purring (n/adj): The act or sound of purring; making a purr.
  • The purring of the engine was barely audible.

Synonyms

• Hum: To make a low, continuous sound (often used for machines or bees).
• Drone: To make a continuous low hum or buzz.
• Murmur: A low, continuous, indistinct sound.

Related Phrases

• Purr like a kitten: To purr very contentedly or (for an engine) to run very smoothly and quietly.
  • After the tune-up, the old truck purred like a kitten.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a low vibrating sound typical of a contented cat

Verb

1. indicate pleasure by purring; characteristic of cats
2. make a soft swishing sound
   • the motor whirred
   • the car engine purred

Từ đồng nghĩa

• make vibrant sounds
• whizz
• whiz
• whirr
• whir
• birr