What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perfectionist
Example
She is such a perfectionist that she spends hours editing her work until it's flawless. [perfectionist: noun]
Example
He always expects the best from himself and others, he's a real perfectionist. [perfectionist: adjective]
purist
Example
He's a purist when it comes to classical music, he only listens to original recordings. [purist: noun]
Example
She's a purist when it comes to cooking, she only uses traditional ingredients and methods. [purist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perfectionist is more commonly used than purist in everyday language. Perfectionist can be applied to any field or subject, while purist is often used in specific fields such as art, music, or literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perfectionist and purist?
Both perfectionist and purist can be used in formal and informal contexts, but purist may have a more negative connotation and be less appropriate in formal settings.
