Langimage
English

puritan

|pu/ri/tan|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈpjʊrɪtən/

🇬🇧

/ˈpjʊərɪtən/

strict moralist

Etymology
Etymology Information

'puritan' originates from the Latin word 'puritas,' meaning 'purity.'

Historical Evolution

'puritan' evolved from the Middle English word 'purite,' which was derived from the Latin 'puritas.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to a person seeking religious purity, but over time it evolved to describe someone with strict moral views.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a member of a group of English Protestants in the late 16th and 17th centuries who sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship.

The Puritans played a significant role in the early settlement of New England.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a person who is strict in moral or religious matters, often excessively so.

He was considered a puritan because of his strict views on alcohol consumption.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41