pristine

[pris-teen, pri-steen, pris-tahyn]

adjective

1. having its original purity; uncorrupted or unsullied.

   Synonyms: untouched, unpolluted

2. of or relating to the earliest period or state; primitive.

pristine

/ ˈprɪstaɪn, -tiːn /

adjective

1. of or involving the earliest period, state, etc; original

2. pure; uncorrupted

3. fresh, clean, and unspoiled

   his pristine new car

Usage

The use of pristine to mean fresh, clean, and unspoiled is considered by some people to be incorrect

Word History and Origins

Origin of pristine¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin pristinus “early”; akin to primus prime

Word History and Origins

Origin of pristine¹

C15: from Latin pristinus primitive; related to prīmus first, _prime

Example Sentences

First-time visitors have been awestruck by pristine fjords and magnificent glaciers, gushing over stunning, untouched landscape.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“His pristine integrity, wise counsel and knowledge of our business were an invaluable resource to me over the course of our 30-year relationship,” Suzanne Scott, chief executive of Fox News Media, said in a statement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One of the most pristine and fragile ecosystems in the world, Aldabra is home to 400 species found nowhere else on the planet.

Read more on BBC

For years visitors would venture up Mount Sinai with a Bedouin guide to watch the sunrise over the pristine, rocky landscape or go on other Bedouin-led hikes.

Read more on BBC

“The traditional sheetrock drywall used in many museums have been painted and repainted so many times, they’re not exactly pristine when it comes to leveling.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immaculate 
• intact 
• natural 
• snowy 
• spotless 
• sterile 
• untouched