Definition

Not clean or free from contamination; having impurities.

Example

The water in the river was unpure and not safe to drink.

Conversation

Have you tried that new ice cream shop in town?

No, I haven't! Is it good?

I heard some flavors are unpure because they use artificial ingredients.

That's a bummer! I prefer natural flavors anyway.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpure → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "pure" (from Latin "purus", meaning clean or clear). The word "unpure" means not clean or not pure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'clean' ('purus') — that's why unpure means not clean.

Visually Confused Words