impurity
UK: ɪmˈpjʊərəti | US: ɪmˈpjʊrəti
n. the state or quality of being impure
n. a substance that makes something impure
impurity = im<not> + pur<clean> + ity<noun suffix>
- im (prefix): from Latin "in-" meaning "not" (assimilated to "im-" before "p").
- pur (root): from Latin "purus," meaning "clean" or "pure."
- ity (suffix): from Latin "-itas," forming abstract nouns indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word "impurity" traces back to Latin roots, combining "im-" (negation) with "purus" (clean) to form "impurus" (not clean). The suffix "-ity" was later added in Middle English to nominalize the adjective, creating a term for the state of being impure. This logical progression reflects the word's focus on contamination or lack of purity, often used in both literal (e.g., chemicals) and metaphorical (e.g., moral) contexts.
The impurity in the water was caused by industrial waste.
Gold must be refined to remove any impurities.
The impurity of his intentions became clear over time.
Scientists measured the impurity levels in the sample.
Religious texts often warn against spiritual impurity.