Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

at cross-purposes

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.39 in modern English

Syllables: at cross-pur-pos-es
IPA

21

Scrabble Score

15

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

Mutually misunderstanding each other's plans, intentions or meanings.

Example Sentences

"The PTO and the school board have been working at cross-purposes."

Phrases

talk past trip over one another

Frequently Paired Words

talk past trip over one another

Questions

What does at cross-purposes mean?: Mutually misunderstanding each other's plans, intentions or meanings.

How to pronounce at cross-purposes

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “at cross-purposes”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “at cross-purposes”.
Repeat and practice — Say “at cross-purposes” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.