Intemerate adj. Unspotted; undefiled; morally and inwardly pure.
"Intemerate" is a rare and somewhat archaic adjective derived from the Latin intemeratus, meaning "untarnished," "pure," or "undefiled." It is used to describe something that remains unspoiled, uncorrupted, or free from blemish. The word conveys a sense of absolute purity, often in a moral or spiritual sense, though it can also be used more generally to refer to something that is flawless or without imperfection.
Historically, "intemerate" has been used to describe individuals or qualities that are considered wholly virtuous or untainted, such as a saint or a pristine natural landscape. While not commonly used in modern language, it still carries a sense of reverence for something that is untouched by time, corruption, or sin.
In moral philosophy and legal ethics, terms related to "integrity" and "incorruptibility" are treated as core trust markers: people judge institutions as legitimate when they appear untainted by favoritism, bribery, or hidden influence. That modern emphasis on ethical "untouchedness" closely matches the idea carried by intemerate.
"A mind intemerate and free from all dishonest arts."
- Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie (1594)
The panel judged his summary considerate,
noting the facts he kept intemerate.
They checked each claim against the source they knew,
confirming every detail still rang true.