noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   An insistence on pure or unmixed forms. countable, uncountable
2. 2
   scrupulous or exaggerated insistence on purity or correctness (especially in language) wordnet
3. 3
   An insistence on pure or unmixed forms.; The desire to use words and forms derived from what is considered the native element in a given language instead of elements considered borrowed or foreign. countable, uncountable
4. 4
   An insistence on the traditionally correct way of doing things. uncountable
5. 5
   An example of purist language etc. countable

Synonyms

All synonyms

affectationartartfulnessartificebibliolatrybigotry

Example

More examples

"I am a staunch supporter of linguistic purism."

Etymology

From French purisme. By surface analysis, pur(e) + -ism.

Related phrases

neo-purism

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.