undefiled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undefiled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing purity, innocence, or something that has not been corrupted or tainted. Example: "The ancient text spoke of a land that remained undefiled by the hands of man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

His philosophy is called pure nondualism—"pure" meaning "undefiled by maya".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hour after hour, the dogs contentedly loll near my legs or on top of my stomach, their slumber undefiled — until their exquisitely sensitive ears perceive, through the shroud of sleep, the low rumble of the battered panel truck belonging to the mailman.

The New Yorker

Edmund Spenser, Chaucer's first great successor, called him "the well of English undefiled".

The New Yorker

Mogg is the scheming Catholic opportunist, Somerset Lloyd-James, in Alms For Oblivion, while Prior is Peter Morrison, an MP who touches pitch yet is undefiled.

The Guardian

Wakanda is an Eden in chrome overdrive, undefiled by the original colonial sin, and the pleasure the film takes in its Afrofuturist aesthetic makes clear to us that we, the viewers, are being asked to support the cause of Wakandan peace, the upholding of its borders.

The New Yorker

Shakespeare's greatest contemporary, the epic poet Edmund Spenser, derived directly from Chaucer, whom he praised as the "well of English undefiled".

The New York Times - Books

The story's protagonist is one Felix Dern (Lix, as he's known), a celebrated actor and singer and the star of a television soap opera called "Doctor D," who has also made several films in Hollywood and come back "almost undefiled".

The New York Times - Books

Open land undefiled by sheep droppings has most likely been mined.

The New York Times - Books

The painters were in awe of what they saw: compared with the ploughed fields, church spires and ruined castles of European landscapes, undefiled nature spoke directly of divine creation.

The New York Times - Arts

As John Calvin put it, "For as Jacob, deserving nothing by good works, is taken into grace, Esau, as yet undefiled by any crime, is hated" (Calvin 1960, Bk. III, Ch. XXIII, sec. 12).

SEP

Epicurus addressed a young man who had just come to study philosophy with him accordingly: "I call you blessed, Apelles, because you have set out for philosophy undefiled by any paideia" (Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae 13.588A = fr. 117 Usener 1887).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undefiled" to describe something that has remained pure and untouched by negative influences or corruption. It adds a strong sense of unspoiled integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "undefiled" too frequently in everyday conversation; it can sound archaic or overly formal. Opt for synonyms like "pure" or "untainted" for more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "undefiled" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a state of purity or being free from corruption, stain, or blemish. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe abstract concepts like philosophy or slumber, as well as physical environments like land.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undefiled" is an adjective that signifies purity, integrity, and the absence of corruption. It is grammatically correct, though its usage leans towards formal and literary contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its presence in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica affirming its usage across different domains. While "undefiled" effectively conveys a sense of pristine preservation, be mindful of its formal tone and consider synonyms like "pure" or "untainted" for more casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unblemished

Focuses on the absence of any imperfections or flaws.

untainted

Highlights the lack of negative influence or corruption.

pure

Emphasizes the quality of being free from contaminants or impurities.

immaculate

Stresses a state of perfect cleanliness and freedom from flaws.

unsullied

Indicates that something remains clean and undamaged, particularly in reputation.

pristine

Conveys a sense of original, untouched condition.

unspoiled

Suggests that something has not been damaged or negatively affected.

unpolluted

Specifically refers to freedom from environmental contaminants.

untarnished

Emphasizes the preservation of shine and luster, often used metaphorically.

chaste

Often used to describe moral purity and innocence.

FAQs

How can I use "undefiled" in a sentence?

You can use "undefiled" to describe something pure or untouched. For example, "The ancient spring offered water that was "pure" and undefiled."

What are some synonyms for "undefiled"?

Synonyms for "undefiled" include "unblemished", "untainted", "pure", and "immaculate", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "undefiled" a formal word?

Yes, "undefiled" is considered a formal word, best suited for literary or descriptive contexts where a sense of pristine purity is emphasized. It's less common in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "undefiled" and "unpolluted"?

"Undefiled" generally refers to something morally or spiritually pure and untouched, while "unpolluted" specifically means free from environmental contamination or physical impurities. The former has a broader, more figurative usage.