Unclean
/ʌnˈkliːn/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot clean; dirty; impure, especially due to contact with something considered undesirable or harmful.
/ʌnˈkliːn/
Not clean; dirty or impure
The dog's paws were unclean after playing in the mud.
💡 Simply: Imagine you dropped your sandwich on the ground. If it's covered in dirt or bugs, you might say it's unclean. It's basically something dirty or not pure.
👶 For kids: Something that is not clean or has yucky stuff on it.
More Examples
The factory's waste made the river water unclean.
The old house felt unclean and unloved.
How It's Used
"He refused to eat with unclean hands."
"Certain foods were considered unclean in some religious traditions."
"The politician's actions were considered unclean."
Morally or spiritually impure; tainted with sin or wickedness.
/ʌnˈkliːn/
Morally or spiritually impure
The witch's magic was considered unclean by the villagers.
💡 Simply: Imagine you did something wrong, like telling a lie. You might feel like your thoughts or actions are unclean. It's when something is not pure in a spiritual or moral way.
👶 For kids: When something is not good or nice inside your heart or mind.
More Examples
The king believed his enemies were unclean and sought to banish them.
He felt unclean after participating in the corrupt practices.
How It's Used
"The ancient laws prohibited contact with the unclean."
"His mind was filled with unclean thoughts."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Old English *unclyne* (not clean), from *un-* (not) + *clæne* (clean).
The term 'unclean' has a long history, particularly in religious and ethical contexts, dating back to ancient times.
Memory tip
Think 'un-' (not) + 'clean'. Something that's unclean is the opposite of clean.
Word Origin
"Not clean"