adjective
Not pure because it contains other substances.
The laboratory tested the impure water.
Common phrases & grammar
impure water · impure gold
American English
How to pronounce impure
adjectiveB2
ihmpyer
/ɪm.pjɚ/
2 syllables.
Not pure because it contains other substances.
What to listen for
Impure is usually pronounced /ɪmˈpjɚ/. You may also hear /ɪmˈpʰjɔɹ/ or /ɪmˈpʰjʊɹ/.
Usual pronunciation/ɪmˈpjɚ/
Common alternate/ɪmˈpʰjɔɹ/
Common alternate/ɪmˈpʰjʊɹ/
Meanings & examples
adjectiveformalless common
Not morally pure, especially because of sexual thoughts or behavior.
The novel describes his impure thoughts.
Common phrases & grammar
impure thoughts