purism

noun

pur·​ism ˈpyu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce purism (audio)
1
: an example of rigid adherence to or insistence on purity or nicety especially in use of words
especially : a word, phrase, or sense used chiefly by purists
2
: the quality or practice of adherence to purity especially in language

Examples of purism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kurkov sees such purism as reductive. New York Times, 24 May 2022 When we’re forced to witness that dynamism in real time, clinging to ecological purism only adds headache to heartbreak, Marris said. Marion Renault, The New Republic, 6 Oct. 2020 As Hollywood priorities go, punctuation purism would not seem high on the list. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Sep. 2022 Intellectual impoverishment is the price of ideological purism. Ian Schwartz, National Review, 28 Mar. 2022 One of best creations at BLK Dot is borderline sacrilegious in its rejection of purism: a VTM layered with grassy high-grade Uji matcha, two distinct and pleasantly bitter tones that complement rather than trample each other. Garrett Snyder, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2022 Which was disappointing for Corvette fans who'd come to expect the Z06 to embody a certain track-rat purism, defined by low weight and a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8. Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2021 But in the 1980s the band pivoted from their early purism, and Moloney emerged as a composer, writing new music steeped in Irish tradition. BostonGlobe.com, 13 Oct. 2021 But in the 1980s the band pivoted from their early purism, and Mr. Moloney emerged as a composer, writing new music steeped in Irish tradition. New York Times, 12 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'purism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purism was in 1777

Dictionary Entries Near purism

Cite this Entry

“Purism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

purism

noun
: a strict following of what is considered absolutely correct especially in the use of words
purist
-əst
noun

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