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purism

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈpjʊərɪzəm/

KK: /ˈpjʊərɪzəm/

noun
Definition

The practice of insisting on traditional correctness or purity, especially in language or art.


Example

The author's purism in language made his writing both precise and challenging to read.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the debate on language purism?
Sloth B
Yeah, some people really believe we should stick to traditional rules.
Sloth A
I think a little purism can be good, but language evolves too.
Sloth B
True, it’s all about finding the right balance between old and new.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
correctness
purity
precision
Antonyms
imprecision
sloppiness
ambiguity
Root Explanation

Purism → It is formed from "purus" (meaning pure) in Latin and the suffix "-ism" (meaning a practice or philosophy). The word "purism" refers to the practice or philosophy of maintaining purity, especially in language or art.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pure' to remember that 'purism' is about maintaining purity in language or art.

Visually Confused Words
prism
urnism
prismy
porism
puerilism
prim
pluralism
pauperism
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