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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Use of the word cleanse

When do you use the word cleanse as opposed to the word clean?
  

Top answer

'Cleanse' is an uncommon word, and usually applies to either hygienic (' Body cleansing or detoxification is a treatment in alternative medicine ') or metaphoric ( ethnic cleansing ) contexts.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Cleanse' is an uncommon word, and usually applies to either hygienic (' Body cleansing or detoxification is a treatment in alternative medicine ') or metaphoric ( ethnic cleansing ) contexts.
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2 Answers
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'Cleanse' is an uncommon word, and usually applies to either hygienic ('Body cleansing or detoxification is a treatment in alternative medicine') or metaphoric (ethnic cleansing) contexts.
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In addition to Mr. M.'s examples, there is also spiritual cleansing. This is used in religious contexts such as meditation. Often in this context it is used with the verb "purify".
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