pure

adjective

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\ ˈpyu̇r

purer; purest

Definition of pure

1a(1) : unmixed with any other matter pure gold

(2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint pure spring water

(3) : spotless, stainless

b : free from harshness or roughness and being in tune —used of a musical tone

c of a vowel : characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance

2a : being thus and no other : sheer, unmitigated pure folly

b(1) : abstract, theoretical pure research

(2) : a priori pure mechanics

c : not directed toward exposition of reality or solution of practical problems pure literature

d : being nonobjective and to be appraised on formal and technical qualities only pure form

3a(1) : free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes

(2) : containing nothing that does not properly belong

b : free from moral fault or guilt

c : marked by chastity : continent

d(1) : of pure blood and unmixed ancestry

(2) : homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters

e : ritually clean

4 : having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role a pure shooter in basketball

Other Words from pure Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about pure

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Choose the Right Synonym for pure

chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows. they maintained chaste relations pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. the pure of heart modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity. preferred more modest swimsuits decent people didn't go to such movies

Examples of pure in a Sentence

The company bottles only the purest water. the pure notes of the flute

Recent Examples on the Web During the press run for the memoir, Tyson talked happily about her legacy in Hollywood and in Black culture at large, expressing pure joy in the fact that her work had been so impactful on so many people's lives. — Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, "Hollywood Icon Cicely Tyson Dead At 96," 31 Jan. 2021 Live your life like a weasel on a trampoline: That is, with pure joy. — Matt Delong, Star Tribune, "TALKERS012521," 25 Jan. 2021 And the process offered moments of pure joy and laughs during a really lousy time. — Washington Post, "The pandemic gave me the time to finally clean out my shameful attic. Here’s what I learned.," 21 Jan. 2021 But then—most pronounced in a scene when the Stork tries to use him as a pawn in a heinous scheme—his face betrays a pure and melting guilelessness that can cut right through you. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "The White Tiger Is a Complex Crime Drama with a Dazzling Performance at Its Center," 22 Jan. 2021 Soy candles are a top choice for their clean, long-lasting burn and pure aromas. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, "6 Best Soy Candles for a Clean, Long-Lasting Scent," 22 Jan. 2021 The recipe, submitted in the 1930s by Mrs. C.W. Anderson and tested through 90 years of church suppers, features the pure alchemy of beef, cream of mushroom soup, Tater Tots and nostalgia. — Star Tribune, "University of Minnesota students learn the comfort of sharing comfort foods," 22 Jan. 2021 But the researchers wanted to know whether there was a reason for the cats to go wild, beyond pure pleasure. — Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, "Why cats are crazy for catnip," 20 Jan. 2021 My appetite dwindled, until I was brought back to the pure pleasures of eating by a classic Sichuan flavor: mala. — New York Times, "I Lost My Appetite Because of Covid. This Sichuan Flavor Brought It Back.," 20 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.