pristine
pristine Lexical Profile
pristine Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
In its original condition; unspoiled, untouched, or uncorrupted by human activity.
"The conservationists worked tirelessly to protect the pristine rainforest from commercial logging."
Clean and fresh as if new; spotless and free from dirt or wear.
"The collector kept the vintage comic books in pristine condition inside protective plastic sleeves."
Pertaining to the earliest period or state; original or primitive.
"Historians studied the ancient texts to understand the pristine traditions of the early republic."
Word Nuance & Usage
Originally meaning 'belonging to the earliest period or state,' 'pristine' has evolved in modern usage to primarily mean 'unspoiled' or 'immaculately clean.' While traditionalists once objected to using it as a synonym for 'spotless,' both senses are now fully accepted in standard English.
• Rhymes for pristine
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'pristinus', meaning 'former, early, or original,' which is closely related to 'priscus' ('ancient' or 'antique').