pure

adjective \ˈpyu̇r\

: not mixed with anything else

: clean and not harmful in any way

: having a smooth and clear sound that is not mixed with any other sounds

pur·erpur·est

Full Definition of PURE

a (1) : unmixed with any other matter <pure gold> (2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint <pure springwater> (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

a : 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>

a (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

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

— pure·ness noun

See pure defined for English-language learners

See pure defined for kids

Origin of PURE

Middle English pur, from Anglo-French, from Latin purus; akin to Old High German fowen to sift, Sanskrit punāti he cleanses, Middle Irish úr fresh, new

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PURE

Synonyms: absolute, fine, neat, plain, purified, refined, straight, unadulterated, unalloyed, undiluted, unmixed

Antonyms: adulterated, alloyed, diluted, impure, mixed

Synonym Discussion of 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>.