# purists

/ˈpjʊɹɪsts/ (US) · /pjˈɔːɹɪsts/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/purists
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.