English Reference

Word

purest

US/ˈpjʊɹəst/

UK/pjˈʊɹəst/

Definition

adj. the most clean, perfect, or complete version of something. You use this to describe things that are not mixed with anything else.

adj. the superlative form of 'pure'; describes something entirely unmixed, untainted, or representing the most refined essence of a quality. Often used in abstract contexts to indicate absolute integrity or simplicity.

Examples

“This is the purest water I have ever tasted.”

“The scientist needed the purest sample of the element to ensure the experiment's results were accurate.”

“Her devotion to the cause was seen as the purest form of altruism, as she sought neither recognition nor reward for her lifelong efforts.”

Examples

simple

“This is the purest water I have ever tasted.”

contextual

“The scientist needed the purest sample of the element to ensure the experiment's results were accurate.”

complex

“Her devotion to the cause was seen as the purest form of altruism, as she sought neither recognition nor reward for her lifelong efforts.”

Usage

Superlative form of 'pure'; typically follows 'the' and precedes the noun it modifies.

Pitfall

the most purest

the purest

'Purest' is already a superlative; adding 'most' is a double superlative error.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/purest

English Reference