Pristine

/ˈprɪstiːn/

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

In its original condition; unspoiled; pure.

/ˈprɪstiːn/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

In its original condition; unspoiled.

The explorers discovered a pristine beach untouched by civilization.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're the first person to walk on a fresh snowfall. That untouched, perfect state? That's pristine! Think of a brand-new car or a perfectly cleaned room – all pristine!

👶 For kids: Pristine means something is brand new and clean, like when you get a new toy and it's never been played with.

More Examples

2

The scientist examined the pristine sample of water.

3

The antique car was in pristine condition, as if it had just rolled off the assembly line.

How It's Used

Environmental Science

"The researchers sought to study the pristine wilderness before any human intervention."

Art & Antiques

"The museum displayed the pristine condition of the ancient artifact."

From Latin *pristinus* 'former, original'.

Used since the early 17th century, often in descriptions of purity or original state.

Memory tip

Think of a pristine painting: it's perfect and untouched.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"former, original"

pristine conditionpristine waterspristine environmentpristine forest

Common misspellings

pristeenpristene

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written