Impure

Impure describes something that is not pure, meaning it contains foreign elements, contaminants, or undesirable substances. This applies to physical substances like water or air, but also extends to abstract concepts such as morality, motives, or even art. The presence of impurities suggests a deviation from an ideal or intended state of cleanliness, integrity, or authenticity. Impurity can detract from a substance's quality, efficiency, or aesthetic appeal. It can indicate a lack of perfection or an adulterated state, and is often viewed negatively, implying something tainted or spoiled. The degree of impurity can vary greatly, ranging from minor imperfections to significant contaminations.

Impure meaning with examples

• The chemist tested the water sample, finding it to be impure due to the presence of lead particles, rendering it unsafe for drinking and requiring further filtration before being usable. The contamination posed a health risk and showcased the necessity of strict quality control measures in water treatment facilities for public safety. These impurities diminished the water's clarity and potable value.
• The ancient alchemist struggled to transmute base metals into gold, constantly battling impure ingredients in their laboratory. They mixed sulfur to create a 'philosopher's stone', eventually mixing to a gold form. Unwanted elements like iron would corrupt the process, preventing the perfect transformation and showcasing the difficulty of the pursuit. This impurity hampered their efforts to reach the desired outcome.
• The artist felt the colors he mixed for his painting were impure, creating a muddy hue instead of the vibrant tones he sought. He tried to balance the paints with the correct hues, to eventually create a color he was aiming to build. He realized the pigment had been cross-contaminated in his palette, ruining the desired effect and frustrating his creative intentions by muddying his colors.
• The political speech was criticized for its impure motives, suspected by some to be driven by personal gain rather than the welfare of the public. Whispers of corruption followed. The presence of this self-serving element tainted the message, casting doubt on its sincerity and undermining the speaker's credibility. The speech was said to be untruthful and with a deceptive intent.
• The religious text warned against impure thoughts, associating them with sin and spiritual corruption. A lack of virtue was also the cause. The text stressed the importance of maintaining a pure mind, free from negative influences and immoral desires. This defined the concept of purity and how it can be seen, by removing a sense of impurity, or the opposite of it.