ENGLISH
REFERENCE

purify

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpjʊɹəˌfaɪ// UK //pjˈʊɹɪfˌaɪ// pu·ri·fy

v. to remove dirty or harmful things from something so that it is clean and safe to use. You often use this when talking about cleaning water or air.

v. to remove contaminants or impurities from a substance; to make something physically or ceremonially clean. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

We use a special filter to purify our drinking water.

CONTEXTUAL

The factory installed new systems to purify the air before releasing it into the atmosphere.

COMPLEX

In many ancient cultures, specific rituals were performed to purify the temple after a period of conflict, ensuring the space was spiritually ready for worship once again.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English purifien, purifyen, from Old French purifier, purifiier, from Latin pūrificō, pūrificāre, from pūrus (“pure; clean”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes the preposition 'of' or 'from' when describing the removed substance.

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