What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purification
Example
The water undergoes a purification process before it is safe for consumption. [purification: noun]
Example
Yoga and meditation can help with the purification of the mind and body. [purification: noun]
refinement
Example
The refinement of the design took several iterations before it was finalized. [refinement: noun]
Example
She has a refined taste in art and literature. [refined: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refinement is more commonly used than purification in everyday language. Refinement is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while purification is less common and often associated with specific fields or processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purification and refinement?
Both purification and refinement can be used in formal or technical contexts, but purification may have a more serious or scientific tone, while refinement can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
