purify
Purify (verb) means to remove impurities from something, making it clean or pure. Example: “The filter purifies the water before it reaches the tap.”
How to use purify
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo clean something thoroughly, removing anything unwanted.
Word forms
purified past tense, purifies singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wanted to _____ her diet by cutting out processed food.
Etymology
From Old French purifier, from Latin pūrificāre, from pūrus ("pure") plus facere ("to make").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for purify
See all rhymes for purify →Frequently asked questions
What does “purify” mean?
The word “purify” means to remove impurities from something, making it clean or pure. In plain terms, to clean something thoroughly, removing anything unwanted.
How do you pronounce “purify”?
“Purify” is pronounced PYOOR-rih-feye (/ˈpjʊɹɪfaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “purify” in a sentence?
Here is “purify” used in a sentence: “She wanted to purify her diet by cutting out processed food.”
What is another word for “purify”?
Words with a similar meaning to “purify” include lustrate and luster.
What is the opposite of “purify”?
The opposite of “purify” — its antonyms — is defile.
What part of speech is “purify”?
“Purify” is a verb.
Where does the word “purify” come from?
The word “purify” comes from Latin. From Old French purifier, from Latin pūrificāre, from pūrus ("pure") plus facere ("to make").
Is “purify” a common word?
“Purify” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.