What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purified
Example
The water was purified using a filtration system. [purified: verb]
Example
The purified air in the room made it easier to breathe. [purified: adjective]
refine
Example
The chef refined the recipe by adjusting the seasoning. [refined: verb]
Example
The refined design of the building made it stand out from the others. [refined: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refine is more commonly used than purified in everyday language. Refine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while purified is less common and refers to a specific process of removing impurities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purified and refine?
Both purified and refine are formal words that are often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, refine can also be used in more informal contexts, such as refining a skill or refining a personal style.