impure
UK: ɪmˈpjʊə | US: ɪmˈpjʊr
adj. not pure; mixed with extraneous or harmful substances
adj. morally tainted or corrupt
adj. (of a color) mixed with another color
The word "impure" derives from Latin impurus, combining the negative prefix in- (meaning "not") with purus ("clean, pure"). The prefix im- assimilates from in- before labial consonants (like p), a common phonetic shift in Latin. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English (via Old French) to describe both physical contamination and moral corruption, reflecting the dual application of purity in material and ethical contexts.
The water was deemed impure due to industrial pollutants.
His motives were questioned, as they seemed impure and self-serving.
The artist used impure shades of blue to create a murky effect.
Ancient rituals often excluded impure individuals from sacred spaces.
The diamond’s value decreased because of its impure composition.