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purr

[/pɜːr/]
verb/nounpl: purrs
ronronar
1. (verb) To make a continuous soft vibrating sound, as a cat does when contented
The cat purrs when you pet it.
O gato ronrona quando você o acaricia.
2. (verb) To express contentment or pleasure through such a sound
She purred with satisfaction after the massage.
Ela ronronava de satisfação após a massagem.
3. (noun) The continuous soft sound made by a purring cat
We could hear the purr of the kitten.
Podíamos ouvir o ronrom do gatinho.
4. (verb) To make a similar soft sound, as machinery or an engine
The engine purs smoothly.
O motor ronrona suavemente.
Synonyms
humwhirmurmur
Antonyms
hisssnarlgrowl

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ronronar
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
ronronar
standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'ronrom'
São Paulo
ronronar
standard usage
Portugal
ronronar
standard usage, similar to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

purr like a kitten - appear happy and content
make someone purr - please or satisfy someone
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