What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleansing
Example
I use a gentle cleanser to cleanse my face every morning. [cleanse: verb]
Example
She went on a juice cleanse to detoxify her body. [cleanse: noun]
purification
Example
The water goes through a purification process before it is safe to drink. [purification: noun]
Example
He practices meditation for spiritual purification. [purification: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleansing is more commonly used than purification in everyday language, especially in the context of personal care or cleaning. Purification is less common and tends to be used in specific contexts such as water or air purification, spiritual practices, or symbolic rituals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleansing and purification?
Both cleansing and purification can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, purification may carry a slightly more formal or ceremonial tone due to its associations with spirituality or rituals.
