Polluted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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polluted

[pษ™หˆluหtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

environment

Contaminated or dirty, typically with harmful substances.

Synonyms

contaminated, dirty, toxic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polluted

Used to describe air, water, or land that has been made unclean or harmful due to chemicals, waste, or other pollutants. Often used for environmental issues.

  • The river is heavily polluted due to the nearby factory's waste
  • The city's air is polluted from vehicle exhausts
contaminated

Refers to something that has been made impure or unsafe due to the addition of dangerous substances, usually used in the context of food, water, or medical supplies.

  • The drinking water was contaminated with bacteria
  • The lab results showed that the blood samples were contaminated
dirty

Describes something that is soiled or unclean, often due to everyday use or neglect. This is a more general term and can apply to objects, places, or even behavior.

  • The room was dirty after the party
  • Don't forget to wash your dirty clothes
toxic

Used to describe substances that are poisonous and can cause harm to living organisms. This is often applied to chemicals and materials that pose a health risk.

  • The paint contains toxic chemicals that are dangerous if inhaled
  • Toxic waste was discovered at the abandoned site

Examples of usage

  • The river was polluted with industrial waste.
  • The polluted air in the city was hazardous to health.
Context #2 | Adjective

moral

Corrupted or tainted morally.

Synonyms

corrupted, immoral, tainted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polluted

This term is typically used to describe environments that are dirty or contaminated by harmful substances. It is often used in environmental contexts.

  • The river has become heavily polluted due to industrial waste
  • The air in the city is polluted with smog
corrupted

This word is used to describe someone or something that has been morally debased or has been led to engage in dishonest or fraudulent activities. It can also refer to corrupted data.

  • The politician was corrupted by money and power
  • The file has been corrupted and cannot be opened
tainted

This term can refer to something that has been spoiled, damaged, or affected in a negative way, often used in both moral and physical contexts.

  • The companyโ€™s reputation was tainted by the scandal
  • The food was tainted and unsafe to eat
immoral

Used to describe actions, behavior, or people that go against moral principles or ethical standards. It suggests a deep violation of what is considered right and wrong.

  • Stealing from the needy is an immoral act
  • The character in the story was portrayed as immoral and ruthless

Examples of usage

  • The polluted mind of the criminal led to his actions.
  • Her thoughts were polluted with negativity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environment

  • Water is considered polluted when it contains harmful bacteria, chemicals, or waste from humans.
  • Air pollution mainly arises from vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and household activities.
  • Soil can be polluted through the use of pesticides and heavy metals that harm plant growth and wildlife.

Health

  • Polluted air is linked to respiratory issues such as asthma and heart diseases.
  • Contaminated water can lead to serious diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
  • Chronic exposure to pollution is a major health risk, contributing to premature deaths globally.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Wall-E' highlight the consequences of pollution and its impact on the future of Earth.
  • Songs and literature often address themes of environmental pollution, raising awareness and inspiring action.
  • Biopics and documentaries focusing on climate activists shed light on pollution and governmental negligence.

Laws and Policy

  • In many countries, environmental regulations exist to reduce pollution from industries, promoting sustainability.
  • The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in the United States are pivotal laws aimed at reducing pollution levels.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement influence policies to combat pollution on a global scale.

Origin of 'polluted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pollutio', meaning 'to defile' or 'to make dirty'.
  • It has been in use in the English language since the 15th century, reflecting growing concerns about cleanliness.
  • Related words include 'pollute', which is the action of making something dirty.

The word 'polluted' comes from the Latin word 'pollutus', which means 'defiled' or 'unclean'. The concept of pollution has been recognized since ancient times, with references in early civilizations to the contamination of water sources and land. As industrialization and human activities have increased, the issue of pollution has become a major concern for the environment and public health.


See also: pollutant, pollute, polluter, polluting, pollution.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,682, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.