Pronunciation: [pjˈʊ͡əɹɪzəm] (IPA) 
The word "purism" is spelled with the phonemes /pjʊr/ and /ɪzəm/, which represents the belief in the preservation of cultural or linguistic purity. The initial sound /p/ is followed by a glide /j/ and a short vowel /ʊr/, which is the stressed syllable in the word. The ending syllable /ɪzəm/ is pronounced with a short vowel /ɪ/ and the sound /zəm/ which represents a suffix used to form nouns indicating a belief or doctrine.
Purism, derived from the French word "purisme," is a philosophical and artistic movement that advocates for the pursuit of purity and simplicity in various fields, including literature, art, design, aesthetics, and language. It strives to eliminate excessive ornamentation, embellishment, and complexity, emphasizing clarity, precision, and essentialness instead.
In literature, purism aims to use language sparingly and avoids flowery or verbose expressions, highlighting concise descriptions, directness, and the precise use of words. It promotes unadorned, straightforward storytelling, often favoring realism and objectivity over romanticism or embellishment.
In art and design, purism advocates for simplicity in form, favoring clean lines, geometric shapes, and a reduction of visual elements to their essential components. It eschews ornamentation or unnecessary detail, prioritizing the purity and harmony of materials and the beauty found in their inherent qualities.
In aesthetics, purism rejects excesses in taste, rejecting ostentation or flamboyance in favor of minimalism and refined elegance. It appreciates the simplicity and purity of natural beauty, simplicity in design, and strives to create an atmosphere of serenity and clarity.
In language, purism focuses on maintaining linguistic purity by opposing borrowed words, foreign influence, or any external elements that may dilute or corrupt the language. It advocates for using native or original terms, seeking to preserve the linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
Overall, purism seeks to distill and refine various disciplines, eliminating superfluous elements, and focusing on essential aspects to achieve purity, clarity, simplicity, and harmony in expression and design.
The practice or affectation of rigid purity in the use of words; the affectation of great purity of conduct.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Purism" derives from the Latin term "purus", which means "pure" or "clean". It entered the English language in the early 20th century, borrowed from French, where it originated as "purisme". The French term was influenced by the Latin root and the idea of maintaining purity in language and artistic expression. Purism refers to the movement or ideology that aims for simplicity, clarity, and the elimination of foreign or unnecessary elements in various fields, including language, art, design, and culture.
