purblind
UK: ˈpɜːblaɪnd | US: ˈpɜːrblaɪnd
adj. 1. Lacking in vision; partially blind.
adj. 2. Lacking in understanding or insight; obtuse.
The word "purblind" originates from Middle English pur blind, where "pur" (an archaic form of "pure") meant "completely" or "utterly," and "blind" retained its modern meaning. Over time, "pur" fell out of common usage, leaving "purblind" to describe someone partially blind or metaphorically lacking perception. The term reflects a linguistic fossil—the preserved "pur" hints at older English intensifiers, while "blind" anchors the word’s enduring literal and figurative meanings.
The purblind old man navigated the room with cautious steps.
Her purblind refusal to acknowledge the evidence frustrated the team.
Critics accused the policy of being purblind to societal inequalities.
The purbright owl (a playful contrast) saw clearly, unlike its purblind counterpart.
His purblind loyalty to tradition prevented innovation.