purity
PYOOR-rih-tee
Purity (noun) means the state of being pure — free from contamination, mixture, or moral fault. Example: “The lab tested the purity of the gold sample.”
noun
1
The state of being pure — free from contamination, mixture, or moral fault.
"She admired the purity of the child’s laughter."
"Gold is valued according to its level of purity."
"The purity of the water was tested in a laboratory."
"The lab tested the purity of the gold sample."
"She admired the purity of his intentions."
"The purity of the mountain spring water is checked every month."
How to use purity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow pure or unmixed something is, whether a substance, an idea, or a person's motives.
Common pairings
purity of gold
moral purity
water purity
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Word forms
- Plural
- purities
Fill the gap
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The lab tested the _____ of the gold sample.
Etymology
From pure plus the noun suffix -ity, ultimately from Latin puritas.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for purity
See all rhymes for purity →Frequently asked questions
What does “purity” mean?
The word “purity” means the state of being pure — free from contamination, mixture, or moral fault. In plain terms, how pure or unmixed something is, whether a substance, an idea, or a person's motives.
How do you pronounce “purity”?
“Purity” is pronounced PYOOR-rih-tee (/ˈpjʊɹɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “purity” in a sentence?
Here is “purity” used in a sentence: “The lab tested the purity of the gold sample.”
What part of speech is “purity”?
“Purity” is a noun.
Where does the word “purity” come from?
The word “purity” comes from Latin. From pure plus the noun suffix -ity, ultimately from Latin puritas.
Is “purity” a common word?
“Purity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between purity and cleanliness?
Purity refers to being free from contamination, mixture, or moral fault, which can apply to physical substances, character, or intentions. Cleanliness specifically describes the absence of dirt or grime and is a narrower, more physical concept than purity.
What is the difference between purity and innocence?
Purity describes being free from contamination or moral fault in a general sense, while innocence specifically refers to a lack of guilt or exposure to wrongdoing. Purity can describe substances as well as people, whereas innocence applies only to people or their actions.
How is "purity" used to describe substances versus people?
When applied to substances, purity means freedom from contamination or mixture, as in the purity of water or gold. When applied to people, it usually refers to moral integrity or freedom from corrupt intent.
