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Purify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purify

[หˆpjสŠษ™rษชfaษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cleaning process

To remove contaminants from something, typically by a process of purification. This can involve filtering, distilling, or treating with chemicals to make something pure and clean.

Synonyms

clarify, cleanse, filter, refine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
purify

Use this word when speaking about making something clean and free from contaminants or impurities, often in a spiritual or moral sense.

  • They sought to purify the water to make it drinkable
  • She tried to purify her soul through meditation
cleanse

Best used for situations where you are making something thoroughly clean, often used in a physical or ritualistic context.

  • He used soap to cleanse his hands
  • The ritual was meant to cleanse the participants of negative energy
filter

This word is useful when referring to the process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance, often via a physical filter.

  • They need to filter the water before drinking it
  • The air conditioner filters out dust particles
clarify

This word is appropriate when you need to make something clear or easier to understand.

  • Can you clarify the instructions for me? The professor clarified the complex theory during the lecture
refine

Use this word when you mean to remove impurities or improve something by making small changes for better quality or precision.

  • The company is working to refine their product
  • He refined his essay with some additional research

Examples of usage

  • The water company purifies the water before it is distributed to homes.
  • She used a water filter to purify the tap water before drinking it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religious Practices

  • Many religions incorporate purification rituals; for example, in Islam, washing before prayers is crucial to spiritual cleanliness.
  • In Hinduism, bathing in sacred rivers is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
  • Judaism has the practice of 'Tevillah', which is ritual immersion to achieve physical and spiritual purity.

Science

  • Water purification processes use techniques like filtration and UV light to remove harmful substances.
  • In chemistry, purifying compounds can involve processes like distillation to separate and isolate pure substances.
  • Air purifiers use filters to clean the air of pollutants and allergens, promoting better health.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters undergo a journey of purification, representing their personal growth or redemption.
  • Poets often use the concept of purification metaphorically to explore themes of cleansing one's soul or mind.
  • The literary movement of Romanticism often emphasized the purifying power of nature on the human spirit.

Culture

  • Different cultures celebrate purification through festivals; for instance, the Japanese practice 'Misogi', a ritual bathing to cleanse the spirit.
  • In many indigenous cultures, fire is used in purification ceremonies to ritualistically cleanse spaces and objects.
  • Purification is a common theme in art, symbolizing renewal and the removal of negativity or impurities.

Origin of 'purify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'purify' comes from the Latin 'purificare', which means 'to make pure'.
  • In Old French, the term 'purifier' was used similarly, indicating a historical connection through languages.
  • The first known use of 'purify' in English dates back to the 14th century.

The word 'purify' comes from the Latin word 'purificare', which means 'to make pure'. The concept of purification has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, often associated with rituals or ceremonies to cleanse the body, mind, or spirit. In modern usage, 'purify' is commonly used in scientific, environmental, and personal contexts to describe the process of removing impurities or contaminants.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,275, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.