Impurity: meaning, definitions and examples

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impurity

 

[ ɪmˈpjʊərɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in chemistry

Impurity refers to a substance that is present in a material in small quantities, but affects the material's properties. Impurities can be introduced during the manufacturing process or naturally present in the material.

Synonyms

contaminant, foreign matter, pollutant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impurity

Used when referring to anything that makes a substance not pure. Often refers to unwanted substances in a bulk material, like metals, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.

  • The process is designed to remove impurities from the water
  • Even small impurities can affect the purity of the product
contaminant

Generally used when referring to substances that should not be present in a particular setting, especially harmful or hazardous substances in environments like water, air, or food.

  • The lab test revealed that the water was full of contaminants
  • Wearing gloves can help prevent contaminants from entering the sterile area
pollutant

Specifically refers to substances that cause pollution, typically found in discussions about environmental health, air quality, or ecological impact.

  • Factories are major sources of air pollutants
  • The river has been contaminated by various pollutants
foreign matter

Used when mentioning any unwanted substance or object that is not originally part of a material or environment, often in the context of cleanliness and quality control.

  • The inspection found no foreign matter in the food package
  • Foreign matter in the machinery can cause significant damage

Examples of usage

  • Impurities in the metal alloy can weaken its structural integrity.
  • The impurity in the water caused it to have a strange taste.
Context #2 | Noun

in morality

Impurity can also refer to actions or thoughts that are considered morally wrong or indecent. It is often associated with concepts of purity and cleanliness.

Synonyms

corruption, immorality, indecency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impurity

Use this word when discussing substances or materials that are not pure. Can also refer to the presence of unwanted elements or moral flaws, but with a less negative connotation compared to other synonyms.

  • The water has a high level of impurity due to industrial waste.
  • The impurity of the politician's actions was subtle but noticeable.
immorality

Ideal for discussing actions, behaviors, or beliefs that go against moral or ethical principles. This word is broadly negative and can apply to individuals or groups.

  • Many criticized the immorality of the character's decisions in the novel.
  • The immorality in the workplace created a toxic environment.
indecency

Commonly used when referring to actions or behavior that are socially unacceptable or offensive. This term is frequently associated with discussions about social norms and etiquette.

  • His indecency at the public event was met with widespread disapproval.
  • The movie was criticized for its indecency and explicit content.
corruption

This word is often used in the context of politics, business, or organizations when discussing unethical or dishonest behavior. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

  • The government's corruption scandal shocked the nation.
  • The company's corruption led to its eventual downfall.

Examples of usage

  • The priest warned against the impurity of engaging in dishonest practices.
  • She felt a sense of impurity after lying to her friend.

Translations

Translations of the word "impurity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impureza

🇮🇳 अशुद्धता

🇩🇪 Unreinheit

🇮🇩 ketidakmurnian

🇺🇦 домішка

🇵🇱 zanieczyszczenie

🇯🇵 不純物 (ふじゅんぶつ)

🇫🇷 impureté

🇪🇸 impureza

🇹🇷 kirlilik

🇰🇷 불순물 (bulsunmul)

🇸🇦 شوائب (shawā'ib)

🇨🇿 nečistota

🇸🇰 nečistota

🇨🇳 杂质 (zázhì)

🇸🇮 nečistost

🇮🇸 óhreinindi

🇰🇿 қоспа

🇬🇪 სიბინძურე (sibindzure)

🇦🇿 çirklilik

🇲🇽 impureza

Etymology

The word 'impurity' originated from the Latin word 'impuritas', which is derived from 'in-' (not) and 'purus' (pure). The concept of impurity has been present in human societies throughout history, with various cultural and religious beliefs emphasizing the importance of purity. In chemistry, the study of impurities in materials has been crucial for understanding their properties and applications.

See also: impure, puree, purely, purify, purity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,376, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.