What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contamination
Example
The contamination of the river by industrial waste has caused health concerns for nearby residents. [contamination: noun]
Example
The food was recalled due to possible contamination with salmonella bacteria. [contamination: noun]
impurity
Example
The gold had impurities that affected its value. [impurities: noun]
Example
The impure water was not suitable for drinking. [impure: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contamination is a more commonly used word than impurity, especially in scientific or technical contexts. Impurity is a less common word and is often used in more specific contexts such as metallurgy or chemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contamination and impurity?
Both contamination and impurity are formal words that are commonly used in scientific or technical contexts. However, contamination may be considered more serious and urgent, while impurity may be seen as a more neutral or descriptive term.
