Meaning 1
Not mixed with another material or element.
Reach for it when Describing literal purity, especially of a metal or substance.
The artisan reserved the unalloyed silver for the ceremonial clasp.
Meaning 2
Complete and free from any conflicting feeling or qualification.
Reach for it when Giving praise to joy, relief, or approval that contains no reservation.
News of the clean test results brought the household unalloyed relief.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm | ||
| professional | ||
| formal |
| |
| literary |
|
everyday
Fits when material contains no unwanted addition
Not when too general when metallic composition is relevant
professional
unmixed
Fits when components have not been combined
Not when does not suggest excellence by itself
formal
undiluted
Fits when full concentration has been preserved
Not when better for liquids or force than metals
warm
Fits when approval or support has no reservation
Not for passive feelings such as relief
formal
absolute
Fits when no exception or qualification remains
Not when too categorical for nuanced endorsement
literary
sheer
Fits when emotion is striking in its totality
Not when can imply intensity without purity
unalloyed metal
Unalloyed metal gave the conservator a reliable comparison sample.
unalloyed pleasure
The garden's reopening was an unalloyed pleasure for longtime volunteers.
unalloyed support
The accessibility proposal received unalloyed support from residents.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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