Summary: For a FREE AUDIOBOOK - click here PRISTINE (adjective) 1 in its original condition. 2 clean and fresh as if new. 1. completely free from dirt and contamination; 2. clean and unused Synonyms: pure, clean, unsullied, untarnished, perfect Antonyms: dirty, spoiled, tarnished Tips: Pristine is a more sophisticated and also a stronger way of saying "perfect," "pure," and "clean." Examples: - John bought the landrover because it was in pristine condition. - Because of his pristine credit, John was pre-approved for car finance. - The once-pristine mountainside is now covered with hotels and cabins. - Margo’s house was always in pristine condition, and she hated to have company in fear of creating a mess. UNDERMINE (verb): erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation). 2 dig or excavate beneath (a building or fortification) so as to make it collapse. 2 weaken gradually or insidiously. Synonyms: weaken, corrode, soften, impair, thwart, undercut, tunnel, wreck Antonyms: strengthen, fortify, encourage Tips: To help you remember the definition for undermine, picture how mining under a structure would weaken its foundation. Undermine is generally used figuratively to refer to actions that weaken an abstract structure, like authority. Undermining is generally done through subtle means, like manipulation or underhanded comments. Examples: - Many people feel that political contributions from special interest groups undermine the democratic process. - Kevin hoped no one would undermine his point by disputing the facts he presented. - Jane and Terry work hard not to undermine one another's authority in front of their children - The principal undermined the teacher's authority by questioning her teaching style in front of her students. - The President has accused two cabinet ministers of working secretly to undermine his position/him.?- John just wanted to give his colleagues some positive feedback but unfortunately it undermined their confidence.
