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Pollution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pollution

[pəˈluːʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

environmental

The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.

Synonyms

contamination, pollutant, toxicity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pollution

This word is generally used to describe the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, especially the air, water, or soil. It is often used in discussion about environmental issues on a broad scale.

  • The city is taking measures to reduce air pollution.
  • Water pollution is a serious problem affecting marine life.
contamination

Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances in something, making it unsafe or unsuitable for use. It is often used in contexts like food, water, and medical environments.

  • The contamination of the water supply has raised health concerns.
  • The laboratory is testing for contamination in the food samples.
pollutant

This term is used to refer to a specific harmful substance that causes pollution. It is commonly used in scientific and environmental discussions.

  • Carbon dioxide is a major air pollutant.
  • The factory was fined for releasing harmful pollutants into the river.
toxicity

Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. It is often used in medical, scientific, and environmental contexts to discuss the harmful effects of chemicals and substances.

  • The toxicity of the chemical makes it dangerous to handle without protective gear.
  • Researchers are studying the toxicity levels of various industrial pollutants.

Examples of usage

  • Air pollution is a major concern in many cities around the world.
  • Water pollution from industrial waste is a serious problem in this area.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The action or process of making land, water, air, etc. dirty and not safe or suitable to use.

Synonyms

contamination, defilement, tainting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pollution

Used to describe the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. Commonly used in discussions about environmental issues such as air, water, and soil quality.

  • The authorities are taking steps to reduce air pollution.
  • Water pollution is a serious problem in many developing countries.
contamination

Used when describing the presence of unwanted or harmful substances in a certain context, such as food, water, or laboratory samples. It often implies that something that should be pure or clean now contains impurities.

  • The laboratory was shut down due to contamination of the samples.
  • Food contamination can lead to serious health issues.
defilement

Generally used in a more moral or spiritual context, indicating that something sacred or pure has been corrupted or spoiled. This term has a strong negative connotation and is often used in literature or religious discussions.

  • The defilement of the sacred artifact caused outrage among the believers.
  • The land was considered holy until its defilement by the invaders.
tainting

Describes the act of affecting something in a negative way, making it less pure or clean. Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe a tarnishing of reputation or integrity.

  • The scandal resulted in the tainting of his otherwise impeccable reputation.
  • The chemicals have been slowly tainting the groundwater.

Examples of usage

  • The pollution of the river has had a devastating impact on the local wildlife.
  • The pollution caused by the factory is affecting the health of the residents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pollutio', meaning 'to make dirty or unclean', highlighting its long-standing relevance.
  • The term began to gain prominence in the late 19th century as industrialization increased environmental concerns.
  • Early laws in the 14th century aimed to reduce waste in rivers, showing that pollution concerns date back centuries.

Environmental Impact

  • Air pollution can cause health problems like asthma and increased rates of respiratory diseases.
  • Water pollution threatens marine life and ecosystems, with plastics causing significant harm to ocean creatures.
  • Soil pollution can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, affecting food supply and quality.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many indigenous cultures emphasize living in harmony with nature, viewing pollution as a violation of sacred balance.
  • In literature and art, pollution often symbolizes the moral decay of society, representing neglect of the planet.
  • Environmental movements in the 1960s and 70s united various cultural groups advocating for cleaner, sustainable practices.

Technological Advances

  • Advances in renewable energy technology aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower air pollution levels.
  • Innovations in waste management, like recycling and composting, help lessen the impact of solid waste pollution.
  • Air quality monitoring technology has greatly improved, allowing cities to track pollution levels and implement changes.

Global Actions

  • International treaties like the Paris Agreement aim to combat climate change and reduce global pollution.
  • Some countries have introduced strict regulations on industrial emissions to protect public health and the environment.
  • Grassroots movements, such as beach cleanups, have mobilized communities worldwide to combat plastic pollution.

Origin of 'pollution'

The word 'pollution' originated from the Latin word 'pollutio', which means defilement or soiling. The concept of pollution has been recognized throughout history, with early civilizations understanding the negative impact of waste and contaminants on the environment. Industrialization and urbanization in the 19th and 20th centuries led to a significant increase in pollution levels, prompting environmental movements and regulations to address the issue.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,099, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.