chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.
they maintained chaste relations
pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.
the pure of heart
modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.
preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies
Example Sentences
The company bottles only the purest water. the pure notes of the flute
Recent Examples on the WebWhen Surrounded by Puppies Once upon a time, Reeves sat down with BuzzFeed and a gaggle of adorable puppies to answer some fan questions, and nothing has ever been so pure. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2022 If your intentions are pure, people will be there for you. Arvid Buit, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Oscar Robertson is the best pure basketball player. Nick Canepacolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 Then, there’s a 7-day sterility test and quality assurance that ensures the product is pure, clean, and ready to give to patients. Angus Chen, STAT, 2 June 2022 But our consumption of the NFL is centered in pure and unadulterated desire. Damon Young, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 Is there any love more pure and absolute than the love that corn kid has for corn? Serena Dai, Bon Appétit, 26 Aug. 2022 Ultimately, action movies are about escapism, pure and unadulterated. Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 24 Aug. 2022 But The Rock’s love for George feels pure and real. Eva Holland, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English pur, from Anglo-French, from Latin purus; akin to Old High German fowen to sift, Sanskrit punāti he cleanses, Middle Irish úr fresh, new
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Time Traveler
The first known use of pure was in the 14th century