What is pure? Pronunciation and usage in English

pure means . Learn how to pronounce and use pure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pure

pureadjective

/pjʊə/
Definition & pronunciation of pure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pure" in English. There are a couple of common ways, and both are correct!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpyʊər/ (approximately: "pyoo-er")
  • Breakdown:
    • pyoo: Say "pyoo" like you're saying "py" followed by a longer "oo" sound, like in the word "blue".
    • er: This is a short, unstressed "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "her" but shorter and less emphasized.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /juːər/ (approximately: "yoo-er")
  • Breakdown:
    • yoo: A longer, more rounded "oo" sound, like in "moon" or "blue".
    • er: Again, a short, unstressed "er" sound.

Here’s a helpful way to hear the difference:

Key Differences to Remember:

  • The “oo” sound: This is the main difference. Americans tend to use a shorter, quicker “oo,” while Brits often use a longer, rounder one.

To help me give you the most tailored pronunciation advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word pure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pure" in English. It's a really versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding those nuances is key.

1. As an Adjective – Meaning Unmixed or Untainted

This is the most common usage. “Pure” describes something that’s free from anything else – additives, contaminants, or imperfections.

  • Examples:
    • “This water is pure and filtered.” (Free from impurities)
    • “She wore a pure white dress.” (Without any color)
    • “He has a pure heart.” (Free from selfishness or deceit)
    • “They grew pure cotton.” (Unbleached and unmixed with other fibers)
    • “It’s a pure emotion.” (Genuine and not influenced by anything else)

2. As an Adjective – Meaning Simple or Unadorned

Sometimes "pure" suggests simplicity or lack of embellishment.

  • Examples:
    • “The design was pure and minimalist.” (Simple, without extra details)
    • “I appreciate his pure honesty.” (Straightforward and without pretense)

3. As an Adjective – Relating to a Specific Kind/Breed

  • Examples:
    • “A purebred dog” (A dog of a specific, recognized lineage)
    • “Pure Irish whiskey” (Made entirely from Irish ingredients)
    • “Pure Arabica coffee” (Only Arabica beans are used)

4. As a Noun – (Less Common) A Substance or Form

This is less frequently used, but refers to a concentrated form of something.

  • Examples:
    • “Pure gold” (Gold in its most basic form, not alloyed)
    • “The pure form of the chemical” (Without any other elements mixed in)

5. Figurative Usage – Purity of Intent/Character

“Pure” is often used to describe someone’s moral qualities.

  • Examples:
    • “She lived a pure life.” (A life of virtue and righteousness)
    • “He spoke with pure intention.” (He meant what he said without ulterior motives)

Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to use “pure”:

Part of Speech Meaning Examples
Adjective Unmixed, Untainted Pure water, pure white, pure heart
Adjective Simple, Unadorned Pure design, pure honesty
Adjective Specific Breed/Type Purebred dog, pure Irish whiskey
Noun Concentrated Form Pure gold, pure substance
Figurative Moral Purity Pure life, pure intention

Tips for Using "Pure" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The surrounding words will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you might consider using synonyms like "unadulterated," "unmixed," "genuine," "simple," or “unspoiled.”
  • Avoid overuse: "Pure" can sound a bit formal at times. Use it deliberately when it truly captures the meaning you want to convey.

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "pure" in a sentence for? (e.g., describing food, a person, an idea, etc.)

Synonyms for the word pure

Idioms of the word pure

pure and simple
used after the noun that it refers to in order to emphasize that there is nothing but the thing you have just mentioned involved in something
  • It's laziness, pure and simple.
  • The man wants revenge, pure and simple.

Practice with vocabulary pure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research team worked tirelessly to isolate the active compound in its most ______ form.
  2. Her motives for volunteering seemed entirely ______, driven by a genuine desire to help others.
  3. Before the experiment could begin, all glassware had to be thoroughly ______ to avoid contamination.
  4. The antique furniture was certified as ______, meaning it dated back to the 18th century without any modern alterations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes something that is completely unmixed and free from any foreign substances? a) contaminated b) diluted c) pure d) artificial

  2. When speaking about an academic discipline, which term implies that it is concerned with theory and knowledge for their own sake, rather than practical application? a) applied b) empirical c) pure d) vocational

  3. Select the word(s) that accurately describe a moment of complete and unadulterated happiness. a) ecstatic b) sublime c) pure d) fleeting

  4. The curator confirmed that the artifact was genuinely from the Bronze Age and had not been altered or replicated. Which words best describe its state? a) counterfeit b) fake c) authentic d) pristine

  5. After the storm, the sky was remarkably clear and free from any clouds or pollution. How would you describe the atmosphere? a) hazy b) polluted c) immaculate d) transparent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The unadulterated joy on her face was evident when she received the award. (Rewrite using "pure")
  2. The company aims to achieve complete ethical conduct in all its business practices. (Rewrite using a form of "pure")
  3. The mountain spring water was so clean and untouched that it was safe to drink directly. (Rewrite without using "pure")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. pure
  2. pure
  3. clean
  4. authentic

Exercise 2:

  1. c) pure
  2. c) pure
  3. a) ecstatic, b) sublime, c) pure
  4. c) authentic, d) pristine
  5. c) immaculate, d) transparent

Exercise 3:

  1. The pure joy on her face was evident when she received the award.
  2. The company aims to achieve purity of ethical conduct in all its business practices.
  3. The mountain spring water was so pristine and untouched that it was safe to drink directly.

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