# purity

/ˈpjʊɹəti/ (US) · /pjˈʊɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/purity
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. cleanliness or lack of pollution

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being clean and not mixed with anything else.

For teachers: the physical state of being free from contaminants, pollutants, or adulterants.

- The mountain air was famous for its purity and freshness.
- The laboratory tests confirmed the purity of the water supply, showing no traces of industrial runoff or bacterial contamination.

### 2. moral goodness

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being morally good or innocent.

For teachers: freedom from immorality, sin, or guilt; often used in a spiritual or ethical context.

- The white dress was chosen as a symbol of her purity.
- The monk dedicated his life to the pursuit of spiritual purity, avoiding all worldly distractions and material possessions.

### 3. chemical or technical quality

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

how much of a substance is actually what it claims to be.

For teachers: the proportion of a specific substance in a sample, often expressed as a percentage.

- The gold was tested to ensure its purity before it was sold.
- The pharmaceutical company must guarantee a high level of chemical purity to ensure the medication is safe for human consumption.

Usage: Often used with a percentage or a specific chemical name.

## Examples

- The scientist tested the purity of the water sample.
- The gold was refined to a high level of purity before being used in the jewelry.
- Critics often debate the purity of a language, arguing over whether foreign loanwords enrich the vocabulary or dilute its historical essence.

---

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.