What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pristine
Example
The lake was so clear and pristine that you could see the fish swimming below. [pristine: adjective]
Example
She kept her car in pristine condition by washing it every week. [pristine: noun]
virgin
Example
The island was a virgin paradise, with no signs of human habitation. [virgin: adjective]
Example
The company promised to use only virgin materials in their products. [virgin: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pristine is more commonly used than virgin in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. However, both words are often used in marketing or advertising to promote a product's quality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pristine and virgin?
Both pristine and virgin are formal words that are often used in professional or academic contexts. However, pristine may be more commonly used in everyday conversation due to its versatility.
