Purist

A Purist is someone who insists on maintaining traditional or original principles and practices, especially in a strict or uncompromising manner. They often have a strong aversion to any deviation from established standards, regarding such changes as corrupting or diluting the essence of the subject. This adherence can apply to various fields, including art, language, music, and even food, where they champion the authentic form and resist modifications or modernization. The purist's focus is often on preserving integrity and avoiding perceived degradation.

Purist meaning with examples

• As a language Purist, she insisted on using only classical grammar rules, even if it made her writing sound antiquated. She believed that modern slang corrupted the beauty and precision of the English language, and she stubbornly refused to adopt any contemporary expressions. This commitment to linguistic purity was a defining characteristic of her personality, setting her apart from more flexible contemporaries.
• He was a film Purist, refusing to watch movies with CGI and special effects. For him, the art of filmmaking was best expressed through practical effects and authentic set designs. He believed modern technologies detracted from the raw, creative talent needed to make a classic. He cherished the work of masters before digital manipulation and would shun any film with overt usage of CGI.
• The music critic was a jazz Purist, dismissing anything that veered away from improvisation and swing as mere pop music. He listened to the same old records and declared that the new artists and bands were all fakes who didn't know real music. He scorned the fusion of jazz with other genres, insisting that only the original forms held any true artistic merit. His reviews became very predictable because of it.
• The chef, a culinary Purist, only used ingredients sourced from local farms and prepared them using traditional French cooking techniques. He believed in the simplicity and honesty of food, refusing to incorporate exotic ingredients or avant-garde methods. He shunned mass-produced food and championed the connection between the dish and its origin. He was well-known for his uncompromising standards.