What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purifying
Example
The water treatment plant is responsible for purifying the city's water supply. [purifying: verb]
Example
The purifying process involves removing any toxins or pollutants from the air. [purifying: gerund or present participle]
cleanse
Example
I need to cleanse my face before going to bed. [cleanse: verb]
Example
The juice cleanse is supposed to rid your body of toxins. [cleanse: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleanse is more commonly used than purifying in everyday language, especially in health and wellness contexts. Purifying is more technical and may be used more in scientific or industrial contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between purifying and cleanse?
Both purifying and cleanse can be used in formal or informal contexts, but purifying may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while cleanse may be more commonly used in holistic or spiritual contexts.