What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleansed
Example
She cleansed her face with a gentle cleanser before applying moisturizer. [cleansed: verb]
Example
The water in the filter goes through a series of steps to be cleansed of impurities. [cleansed: adjective]
purified
Example
The water is purified using a special filtration system to remove any bacteria or impurities. [purified: verb]
Example
He drank purified water to ensure it was safe and free from any harmful substances. [purified: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleansed is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in personal care or cleaning contexts. Purified is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly when referring to the purification of substances like water or air.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleansed and purified?
Both cleansed and purified can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, purified may be perceived as more formal due to its association with scientific or technical terminology.