Word
purify
Phoneticspu·ri·fy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpjʊɹəˌfaɪ/
UK/pjˈʊɹɪfˌaɪ/
Definitions
01to remove impurities
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
v. to make something clean by removing dirt, chemicals, or other harmful things.
v. to remove contaminants or foreign elements from a substance to achieve a refined state.
“The new filter helps to purify the water from the local river.”
“The laboratory uses a sophisticated distillation process to purify the chemical samples before they are used in the experiment.”
Usage
Often used with 'from' to indicate the substance being removed.
Antonyms
02moral or spiritual cleansing
C1 · Advanced Religion Formal · Literary
v. to free someone or something from guilt, sin, or bad thoughts.
v. to free from ceremonial or moral defilement; to purge of sin or guilt.
“In many cultures, people use smoke or water to purify their homes.”
“The ancient ritual was designed to purify the soul of the penitent before they entered the inner sanctum of the temple.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often found in religious or historical contexts; in everyday modern English, 'cleanse' is a more common alternative for emotional contexts.
Real-World Examples
“Simple habits such as purifying drinking water, washing hands before meals and after using the bathroom, and practicing good camp hygiene remain some of the easiest ways to stay healthy outdoors.” Etymology
From Middle English purifien, purifyen, from Old French purifier, purifiier, from Latin pūrificō, pūrificāre, from pūrus (“pure; clean”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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