Untainted: meaning, definitions and examples

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untainted

[ʌnˈteɪntɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

pure

Not contaminated or polluted; pure, clean, untarnished.

Synonyms

clean, pure, unblemished, unsullied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untainted	Best used when referring to something or someone that remains free from undesirable elements such as corruption, bias, or moral impurity. His reputation remained untainted despite the accusations The data was untainted by any errors or manipulations
pure	Used when emphasizing the complete absence of contamination, adulteration, or impurity, often in the context of substances like water, air, or intentions. They drank pure spring water directly from the source Her intentions were pure and selfless
clean	This word is used in everyday situations to describe something that is free from dirt, marks, pollutants, or unwanted substances. The kitchen surfaces were spotless and clean She preferred to keep her workspace clean and tidy
unsullied	Used in more formal or literary contexts to describe something that remains in its pristine condition, without being spoiled or defiled. The knight's honor remained unsullied The river flowed unsullied through the untouched landscape
unblemished	Typically used to describe something immaculate and without any flaws or defects, common in the context of physical appearance or record. She had an unblemished complexion His career record was unblemished until the recent scandal

Examples of usage

Her untainted reputation made her a trustworthy candidate for the job.
The lake's water was so clear and untainted that you could see the fish swimming at the bottom.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

innocent

Not affected by or associated with negative qualities or actions; innocent, blameless.

Synonyms

blameless, guiltless, innocent, pure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untainted	Use in situations where something or someone is free from any kind of corruption, contamination, or impurity. The untainted water from the mountain spring tasted refreshing. His reputation remained untainted despite the accusations.
innocent	Typically used to describe someone who is free from guilt or wrongdoing, often with a sense of naivety or purity. The child’s innocent smile melted everyone's heart. He was declared innocent after new evidence emerged.
blameless	Appropriate for describing someone who has not done anything wrong or is free from guilt or blame. She was found blameless in the investigation. He led a blameless life, always helping others.
guiltless	Used to indicate someone who has no guilt or has done nothing wrong, often in legal or moral contexts. The jury found her guiltless of all charges. As a child, he was guiltless of any wrongdoing.
pure	Used in situations to describe something or someone that is completely free from any kind of impurity, can refer to both physical and moral purity. The pure gold necklace was a sight to behold. Her intentions were pure, she only wanted to help.

Examples of usage

The untainted child believed in the goodness of everyone.
His untainted conscience allowed him to sleep peacefully at night.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word is formed by prefixing 'un-' to 'tainted,' where 'taint' comes from the Latin 'tinctus,' meaning to stain or color.
The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, hence 'untainted' means the absence of stains or impurities.
It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, highlighting purity in various contexts.

Literature

In poetry and prose, 'untainted' often describes characters or themes that embody innocence or unblemished traits.
The term may appear in literary discussions about nature, emphasizing the beauty of unspoiled landscapes.
Classic literature often contrasts 'untainted' with corrupted characters or environments to highlight moral dilemmas.

Science

In environmental science, ecosystems are described as 'untainted' when they have not been affected by pollution or human activities.
Botanists may refer to 'untainted' seeds that have not been genetically modified or altered.
In microbiology, 'untainted' cultures are those free from contamination, crucial for accurate experimental results.

Cultural Significance

'Untainted' is often used in discussions about social justice to describe untouched history or narratives that have not been distorted.
The term can evoke images of natural landscapes or traditions preserved in their original forms.
In many cultures, 'untainted' is synonymous with virtue, representing moral integrity or ethical behavior.

Psychology

'Untainted' experiences can be linked to concepts of nostalgia, where individuals reminisce about a time perceived as ‘pure’ before complications arose.
In therapeutic contexts, maintaining mental clarity might involve striving for 'untainted' thoughts free from negative influence.
Psychological studies indicate that environments perceived as 'untainted' can enhance creativity and well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "untainted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 puro

🇮🇳 अशुद्ध

🇩🇪 unberührt

🇮🇩 murni

🇺🇦 незайманий

🇵🇱 nieskażony

🇯🇵 純粋な

🇫🇷 pur

🇪🇸 puro

🇹🇷 saf

🇰🇷 순수한

🇸🇦 نقي

🇨🇿 čistý

🇸🇰 čistý

🇨🇳 纯净的

🇸🇮 čist

🇮🇸 hreinn

🇰🇿 таза

🇬🇪 სუფთა

🇦🇿 saf

🇲🇽 puro

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,651, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26648 pensioned
26649 interleaved
26650 bole
26651 untainted
26652 bribing
26653 pardonable
26654 racer
...