pristine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pristine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is in its original condition, unspoiled, or clean and fresh. Example: "The hikers were amazed by the pristine beauty of the untouched wilderness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not for us the simple pristine blocks of the Americans.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The finance ministry has sparked howls of protest proposing that mass development be allowed along the country's coast, still among the most pristine in Europe.

The Guardian

In the first four days, he visited the pristine Whitehaven Beach, stopped for lunch at Hayman Island, went on a tour of the Coral Sea and Daydream Island and ended up at the Seaworld adventure park and a game of Aussie Rules (Richmond vs Adelaide - Go Crows!).

The Guardian

And new events sprung up in cities and in environments ranging from heavily wooded forests to pristine urban beaches.

The Guardian

Further, in our analysis, we discounted the value of future benefits at 5% which is very conservative and we assumed that all of these systems were perfectly maintained and in pristine operating condition for the whole period.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is also a matter of how we perceive the relationship between man and nature – whether we regard the natural world as the aesthetic norm, something pristine upon which humanity and our technological "advances" intrude.

The Guardian

Abbott said: "Now I'm all in favour of protecting pristine wilderness in proportion – I am all in favour of that.

The Guardian

no phone, oasiscollections.com/punta/property/2128 Good for playful children (and adults) Sleeps 6 Cost £760 a week At this tangerine-coloured home in a former coconut plantation north of pretty Puerto Vallarta, you walk through tropical gardens to a pristine beach for hammock-swinging, sandcastle-building and swimming on a safe shelf beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Eating lobster on a pristine white sand beach, looking out on the Caribbean sea, is usually the preserve of those with the deepest of pockets, but Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, is different.

The Guardian - Travel

I asked the two youths, dressed in pristine white hip-hop gear, about racism in Lyon.

The Guardian

I was dropped off at the beach in front of the Banana Island Guesthouse, a community-run eco-lodge that aims to revive tourism in this pristine, but largely forgotten, corner of the world.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pristine" to describe environments or objects that are not only clean but also retain their original, untouched state. It suggests a higher level of purity and preservation than simply 'clean'.

Common error

Avoid using "pristine" to describe items that are inherently prone to wear and tear or are frequently used. "Pristine" is best reserved for things that have genuinely remained untouched or meticulously maintained.

Linguistic Context

The word "pristine" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their state of being unspoiled, pure, or in original condition. Ludwig confirms this adjectival usage, as seen in examples describing "pristine" beaches, forests, and conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pristine" is an adjective that effectively conveys a state of unspoiled purity and originality. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and environmental writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for describing things that are genuinely untouched or meticulously maintained. Related terms such as "untouched" and "immaculate" offer nuanced alternatives for specific situations. By understanding its connotations and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "pristine" to enhance their descriptions and evoke a sense of admiration for the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Untouched

Focuses on the lack of physical contact or alteration.

Unspoiled

Highlights the preservation of natural beauty and integrity.

Immaculate

Emphasizes the perfect cleanliness and absence of flaws.

Spotless

Highlights the complete absence of dirt or stains.

Pure

Emphasizes the absence of contaminants or impurities.

In perfect condition

Focuses on the flawless state and lack of damage.

In its original state

Highlights the preservation of something's initial form.

As good as new

Emphasizes the restored or maintained quality of something.

Unblemished

Highlights the absence of marks or imperfections.

In mint condition

Similar to 'as good as new' but emphasizes rarity and collectibility.

FAQs

How can I use "pristine" in a sentence?

You can use "pristine" to describe something in its original condition, unspoiled, or clean and fresh. For example: "The hikers were amazed by the "pristine beauty" of the untouched wilderness."

What can I say instead of "pristine"?

You can use alternatives like "untouched", "unspoiled", or "immaculate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pristine condition" or "immaculate condition"?

Both "pristine condition" and "immaculate condition" are correct, but "pristine" often implies an untouched, original state, while "immaculate" emphasizes cleanliness and flawlessness.

What's the difference between "pristine" and "clean"?

"Clean" simply means free from dirt or impurities. "Pristine" goes further, suggesting a state of original purity and being untouched or unspoiled. A room can be clean without being "pristine".