Spanish word

purgatorio

Pronunciation

IPA/puɾɣaˈtoɾjo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpurgatory

Example

Este proyecto ha sido un purgatorio para mí.

This project has been purgatory for me.

Illustration for purgatorio (purgatory)

More examples

Muchas parejas pasan por el purgatorio antes de tomar una decisión importante.

Many couples go through purgatory before making an important decision.

Core concept

Temporary place or state where souls are purified before entering heaven.

Common phrases

  • pasar por el purgatorio

    go through purgatory

  • estar en el purgatorio

    be in purgatory

Similar words

cielo: Eternal afterlife place of perfect bliss and union with God.
infierno: Eternal afterlife place of painful torment and divine punishment.

Definition in Spanish

Lugar o estado, según la doctrina católica, donde las almas son purificadas de sus pecados antes de entrar al cielo.

Word origin

It comes from Latin purgatorium 'place of cleansing', formed from the verb purgare 'to cleanse' plus the place suffix -torium and adopted into Spanish through medieval Latin.

Usage tips

  • Use el purgatorio in formal religious contexts, while un purgatorio or figurative uses usually mean a long, painful ordeal.

Opposites

Related words

  • purgarpurgeverb
  • purgaciónpurgationnoun

Word lists with this word