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Purifying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purifying

[ˈpjʊərɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

water treatment

To make something pure by removing harmful substances or elements.

Synonyms

cleanse, filter, purge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
purifying

Typically used in the context of making something clean by removing impurities or contaminants. Often associated with processes that have to do with water, air, or spiritual practices.

  • The water went through a purifying process to become safe for drinking.
  • Yoga and meditation are seen as purifying practices for the mind and soul.
cleanse

Used when talking about cleaning something thoroughly, often associated with physical cleaning or body detoxification. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense, like cleansing one's emotions or mind.

  • She decided to cleanse her skin with a new facial wash.
  • He went on a detox diet to cleanse his body.
filter

Commonly used when discussing processes that separate unwanted material from desired material, especially in technical or practical applications like water filtration or data processing.

  • We need to filter the water before drinking it.
  • Use this software to filter spam emails.
purge

Often carries a negative connotation as it involves the forceful removal of something unwanted. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as purging toxins from the body or purging corruption from an organization.

  • The organization decided to purge corrupt officials from its ranks.
  • She attempted to purge her mind of negative thoughts.

Examples of usage

  • Before consumption, the water goes through a process of purifying to eliminate any impurities.
  • The purifying of the air in the room was essential for people with respiratory problems.
Context #2 | Verb

spiritual practice

To cleanse or rid of sin or guilt.

Synonyms

cleanse, purge, sanctify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
purifying

Used when talking about removing impurities or contaminants from something, often in a physical or natural sense.

  • The water plants are purifying the river water
  • The air-purifying system helps to keep the air clean indoors
cleanse

Typically used when talking about cleaning something thoroughly, often in a personal or ritual sense.

  • She decided to cleanse her skin with a gentle soap
  • The ritual was meant to cleanse the mind of negative thoughts
purge

Used when talking about removing or getting rid of something completely, often with a sense of force or thoroughness. This word can have a negative connotation.

  • The new manager decided to purge the company of its old policies
  • He went on a diet to purge his body of toxins
sanctify

Used in a religious or spiritual context to mean making something holy or setting it apart for a sacred purpose.

  • The priest sanctified the water before the baptism ceremony
  • They believe that the prayer will sanctify their lives

Examples of usage

  • She felt a sense of peace after purifying her soul through meditation.
  • The ritual involved purifying the body and mind before entering the sacred space.
Context #3 | Noun

cosmetics

A process or treatment that removes impurities from the skin.

Synonyms

clarifying, cleansing, detoxifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
purifying

This term is duplicated and has been previously described.
cleansing

Use this word when referring to the act of cleaning thoroughly, usually in a physical context. It can also have a metaphorical usage regarding spiritual or emotional cleaning.

  • The spa offers a range of cleansing treatments.
  • He felt a sense of cleansing after confessing his secrets.
detoxifying

This term is often used in health and wellness contexts to describe the removal of harmful substances or toxins from the body. It can also apply to environmental or lifestyle changes.

  • Many people go on detoxifying diets after the holidays.
  • They worked on detoxifying the contaminated site.
clarifying

Use this term when you want to make something clear or more understandable. It often applies to explaining complex ideas or resolving confusion.

  • She asked several questions to clarify the instructions.
  • The water was clarified to remove any impurities.

Examples of usage

  • The facial mask had purifying properties that helped clear acne.
  • She enjoyed the purifying effects of the spa treatment on her skin.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Purification processes are essential in chemistry, such as distillation and filtration, to separate purer substances from mixtures.
  • Water purification methods, like boiling or using filters, make sure the water we drink is safe and clean.
  • In biology, purifying is crucial for isolating DNA or proteins from cells for research and medical purposes.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have rituals for purifying spaces, including smudging with sage or ringing bells.
  • In yoga, purification is a key concept, with practices aimed at both physical and mental cleansing.
  • Religious ceremonies often include elements of purifying, such as washing hands or bodies before worship.

Health & Wellness

  • Detox diets are popular as people seek to purify their bodies from toxins for improved health.
  • Mindfulness and meditation practices often focus on purifying thoughts, promoting emotional clarity.
  • Essential oils are used in aromatherapy for their purifying properties, helping to create a calming environment.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often undergo a purifying journey, emerging stronger after facing challenges.
  • The theme of purification appears in many tales, such as in fairy tales where characters reduce negative influences to find happiness.
  • In poetry, the act of purifying is sometimes used metaphorically to describe emotional healing and growth.

Origin of 'purifying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'purificare,' meaning 'to make pure.'
  • It has roots in the Middle English word 'purifien,' which also means to cleanse.
  • In many languages, there's a similar word indicating the act of cleansing, like 'pur' in French, meaning pure.

The word 'purifying' comes from the Old French word 'purifier' which means 'to purify'. The concept of purifying has been a part of various cultures and practices throughout history, from religious rituals to scientific processes. The act of purifying is often associated with the removal of impurities or negative elements to achieve a state of cleanliness, clarity, or sanctity.

See also: purification, purifier, unpurified.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,891, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.