Someone who believes in following rules, traditions, or standards very strictly without compromises.
From 'pure' (Latin 'purus') plus '-ist' (suffix denoting a person who practices or advocates something), becoming common in the 18th century.
Interestingly, calling someone a 'purist' is often subtle criticism in modern life—it implies they're rigid or unwilling to adapt, showing how society values flexibility over absolute principles.
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