adulterate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈdʌltəˌreɪt/
KK: /əˈdʌltəˌreɪt/
adjective
Definition
Not pure or genuine; mixed with something inferior or of lower quality.
Example
The adulterate product was recalled due to safety concerns.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more adulterate
Superlative: most adulterate
Conversation
I can't believe they would sell such an adulterate product.
Right? It’s so disappointing when companies do that.
Yeah, it makes you wonder what else they might be hiding.
Exactly, we should always check the labels before buying.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impure
tainted
contaminated
Antonyms
pure
clean
unadulterated
transitive verb
Definition
To make something less pure or of lower quality by adding something that is not pure or is of lower quality.
Example
The company was accused of trying to adulterate its products to increase profits.
Tense Forms
Past: adulterated
Past Participle: adulterated
Conversation
Have you heard about that restaurant that adulterates its food with cheap ingredients?
Yeah, it's disappointing! I used to love their dishes.
I can't believe they would adulterate their recipes like that.
Root Explanation
Adulterate → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "alterare" (meaning to change). The word describes the act of changing something by adding inferior substances, thus making it impure.
Memory Tip
Think of 'changing' ('alterare') something 'to' ('ad-') make it less pure — that's why adulterate means to make something impure.
Visually Confused Words
unadulterate
alterate
unadulterated
alternate
altercate
unadulterately
unliterate
unadulteratedly