purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being pure

2

: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms

• chasteness
• chastity
• immaculacy
• innocence
• modesty

Examples of purity in a Sentence

struggling to live a life of purity while surrounded by wickedness

Recent Examples on the Web

Erica Cirino, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Plastic Pollution Coalition, said the new lawsuits are part of a longstanding effort to hold bottled water companies accountable not only for microplastic contamination, but also for other misleading claims about their products’ purity. —Joseph Winters / Grist, Popular Science, 23 May 2024

She’s shunned from the sect once her purity is compromised by Joseph. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024

He’s invoked theories espoused by Nazis in their quest for racial purity. —Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

The core of Cannes will always be pure cinema – but to include those pushing at the technical edge of this purity is, to my mind, vital for creative health of any festival. —Ben Croll, Variety, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purete, from Anglo-French purité, from Late Latin puritat-, puritas, from Latin purus pure

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being pure : freedom from impurities

2

: freedom from guilt or sin

Medical Definition

purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being pure