Pristine
/ˈprɪstiːn/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Pristine describes something that is pure and untouched by dirt, damage, or change. It often refers to nature, objects, or places that look new and perfect, as if they have not been used or changed.
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See It in Action
Perfectly clean and fresh, without any dirt or damage
- •The pristine white sand on the beach was beautiful.
- •She kept her room in pristine condition all the time.
- •The car looked pristine after the wash.
Original and untouched condition, often used for nature or objects
- •The forest remains pristine because no one has cut the trees.
- •They discovered a pristine lake far from the city.
- •The ancient artifact was in pristine condition.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'pristine' like 'clean' (A1 word), but much stronger—it means perfectly clean and new, not just a little clean
- ✓Picture a white snow-covered mountain early in the morning, with no footprints or marks anywhere
- ✓It's the feeling of seeing a brand-new toy or a fresh, untouched beach—everything looks perfect and fresh
- ✓Sounds like 'PREST-een' → imagine a fresh 'pressing' of clean clothes that look perfect and neat
- ✓Remember stories about explorers finding untouched forests or lakes that look like they are still new from nature
- ✓NOT like 'dirty' or 'used'—pristine means no dirt or marks at all
- ✓NOT like 'clean' that can mean just not dirty, but pristine means perfect and original without any change
- ✓NOT like 'old' or 'worn'—pristine is about something looking new and perfect
Try Other Words
- •Immaculate: perfectly clean or pure (Use when emphasizing no spot or flaw)
- •Untouched: not changed or affected (Use when focusing on something not used or damaged)
- •Pure: free from anything dirty or mixed (Use when emphasizing cleanliness or natural condition)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Possibly from Latin 'pristinus' meaning 'former' or 'original'
- •Etymology: Comes from Latin, meaning original or early time condition
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to mean original or unspoiled condition
- •Modern usage: Used to describe things that are perfectly clean, fresh, or unchanged, often in nature or objects
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in your life do you think should be kept pristine? Why?
•How does the idea of something being pristine affect the way people treat nature or objects?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hikers were amazed to find a ___ forest that showed no signs of human activity.
2.After cleaning, the kitchen looked so ___ that it seemed brand new.
3.Unlike old buildings, the museum's artifacts were kept in ___ condition.
4.When something is described as pristine, it usually means it has not been ___ or damaged.
5.People often want to keep their cars ___ by washing and polishing them regularly.
6.The beach was ___ early in the morning before any visitors arrived.
7.A pristine environment is important for animals because it provides a ___ habitat.