pristine

/ˈprɪstiːn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɪstiːn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpri-ˌstēn pri-ˈstēn especially British ˈpri-ˌstīn/ (ame, mw)

pristine — adjective

  • pristinepositive
  • more pristinecomparative
  • most pristinesuperlative

1. describing something that looks completely unused, as though it has just been ma

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing something that looks completely unused, as though it has just been made or bought

例句

The secondhand bookshop sold novels in pristine condition with unbroken spines.

collocation: in pristine condition

Amina found a pristine 1950s typewriter at the flea market last Saturday.

同義詞
  • immaculate

    stronger emphasis on perfect cleanliness and order; slightly more formal

  • mint

    informal, mainly of collectible items like coins or memorabilia in mint condition

  • flawless

    focuses on the absence of defects rather than newness

  • unused

    more literal — no one has ever used the item; narrower than pristine

反義詞
  • used

    simple opposite; has no connotation of damage

  • worn

    shows clear signs of use or age

  • damaged

    has visible flaws or harm

文法句型

pristine + noun

in pristine condition

用法筆記

Commonly used with nouns like condition, state, or appearance when describing manufactured items.

常見錯誤

❌I bought a pristine used car.' (contradictory).
✅I bought a used car in pristine condition.
💡used and pristine both describe the car's history; use 'in pristine condition' to emphasise its excellent state.

2. describing a natural place or environment that has not been damaged, changed, or

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a natural place or environment that has not been damaged, changed, or affected by human activity

例句

The national park protects one of the last pristine forests in the region.

collocation: pristine forest

Far from the city, the lake's pristine waters reflected the clear blue sky.

同義詞
  • unspoiled

    very similar, common in British English for landscapes and coastlines

  • untouched

    more emphatic: suggests no human contact at all

  • pure

    focuses on cleanliness and freedom from pollution rather than human impact

  • virgin

    stronger, used for completely undeveloped land; sometimes considered dramatic

反義詞
  • polluted

    contaminated by chemicals or waste

  • spoiled

    damaged by development or overuse

  • developed

    land that has been built on or modified by human activity

文法句型

pristine + noun (place/ecosystem)

remain/stay pristine

用法筆記

Subject is typically a natural feature (forest, beach, river, reef, wilderness) rather than a man-made object.