Definition of impure

The word "impure" derives from the Old French "impur," which meant "not pure, unclean." This term was borrowed from the Latin "impurus," which also conveyed the idea of being unclean or unfit for use. In its earliest written usage, "impure" was primarily used to describe substances that were contaminated or corrupted, such as water sources that had been polluted with filth or impurities. This meaning can still be seen in modern usage, where "impure" describes materials that contain impurities, such as an "impure" crystal or a "impure" gas. Over time, the meaning of "impure" expanded to describe more than just substances. It came to be applied to non-material things, such as thoughts and behaviors, that were deemed to be impure or unclean. This broadened definition of the word is particularly prevalent in religious and spiritual contexts, where "impure" is often used to describe actions or thoughts that are believed to be sinful or immoral. Today, the word "impure" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, from the scientific to the spiritual. While its original meaning of describing contaminated or corrupted substances remains an important part of its definition, "impure" has come to encompass a much wider range of meanings and applications.