Word
purists
US/ˈpjʊɹɪsts/
UK/pjˈɔːɹɪsts/
Countable noun
Definition
n. people who want something to stay pure and traditional, with no changes or mixing. You use it for people who only accept the strict or original way of doing something.
n. people who insist on strict observance of traditional rules or purity in language, art, or practice, and reject innovation, mixing, or loosening of standards.
Examples
“Coffee purists drink it black with no sugar.”
“The club's language purists correct every English loanword in meetings.”
“While most chefs enjoy fusion cooking, purists argue that altering classic recipes weakens cultural memory and craft.”
Examples
simple
“Coffee purists drink it black with no sugar.”
contextual
“The club's language purists correct every English loanword in meetings.”
complex
“While most chefs enjoy fusion cooking, purists argue that altering classic recipes weakens cultural memory and craft.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “purists” in context.
Verb
01. alienate purists
“Adding electronic beats may alienate purists of traditional jazz.”
verb + noun
02. appease purists
“The director used original costumes to appease purists.”
verb + noun
03. infuriate purists
“The modern remake is sure to infuriate purists.”
verb + noun
04. purists decry
“Purists decry the commercialisation of the historic festival.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. linguistic purists
“Linguistic purists object to borrowing foreign words into English.”
adj + noun
06. literary purists
“Literary purists criticised the film adaptation for changing the ending.”
adj + noun
07. musical purists
“Musical purists prefer original vinyl recordings to digital remixes.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. objections from purists
“The new translation faced strong objections from purists.”
noun + prep + noun
09. outcry from purists
“The decision sparked an outcry from purists in the art world.”
noun + prep + noun
10. appeal to language purists
“The new edition will appeal to language purists seeking traditional grammar.”
11. dismissed by purists as inferior
“The electronic version was dismissed by purists as inferior to the original.”
12. offend the purists
“Serving instant coffee is sure to offend the purists.”
Real-World Examples
“It is traditionalists—like grammarians, English instructors, and various language purists—who tend to get overly anxious about the changes users exhibit in their instant messaging and online communication.” Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/purists