Adulterate

Verb

Definition: Render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance.

Synonyms: Contaminate, Dilute, Corrupt

Antonyms: Purify, Refine, Improve

Examples:
  • The company was fined for adulterating their products with harmful chemicals.
  • The chef refused to adulterate his famous recipe with inferior ingredients.
Mnemonics:
  • "Adulterate" sounds like "adulter" which relates to cheating or deceiving, similar to how adding another substance cheats or deceives the quality of something.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "adulteratus", past participle of "adulterare" (to make impure)

Historical Usage:

The term originated in the late 16th century and has been used consistently since then.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None found.

Explanation:

"Adulterate" has a different meaning unrelated to romantic relationships, despite the similarity in spelling.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "adulterate" with "adulter", which relates to infidelity or extramarital affairs.

Explanation:

"Adulterate" has a different meaning unrelated to romantic relationships, despite the similarity in spelling.

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