Meaning & use
pristine condition
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
in a state that is still completely clean, fresh, and undamaged, as if new
Grammar: Usually used after 'in': in pristine condition. It describes a state, not an action.
Patterns
- in pristine condition
- keep something in pristine condition
- remain in pristine condition
The old book was still in pristine condition after fifty years.
She keeps her car in pristine condition, washing it every weekend.
The hotel room was in pristine condition when we arrived.
phrasefixed phraseformal
in perfect, unspoiled natural state, with no damage from people
Grammar: Used especially about nature, land, or environments that have not been changed by human activity.
Patterns
- in pristine condition
- preserve something in pristine condition
The forest remains in pristine condition, untouched by logging.
Scientists want to keep the lake in pristine condition for future study.
Common combinations
- in pristine condition
- The antique furniture is still in pristine condition.
- keep something in pristine condition
- He keeps his collection in pristine condition.
- remain in pristine condition
- The beach remains in pristine condition despite the crowds.
- pristine condition of something
- The pristine condition of the manuscript surprised everyone.
Synonyms and how they differ
- immaculate
- Immaculate means perfectly clean, but it often describes something that has just been cleaned rather than something old and undamaged.
- mint condition
- Mint condition is similar but is used mostly for collectible items like coins, cards, and toys, and sounds more informal.
- unspoiled
- Unspoiled is used mainly about nature or places, and it does not always suggest cleanliness.
Opposites
Commonly confused: pristine condition or pristine?
pristine condition vs pristine
Pristine alone is an adjective meaning clean and new-looking; the phrase 'pristine condition' is a fixed expression used after 'in'.
Practice
The vintage watch was still ___ pristine condition.
Choose one answer.
'In pristine condition' is the fixed phrase for describing a state. 'On', 'at', and 'by' do not fit this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pristine condition”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.