pretty

Syllabification: (pret·ty)

Pronunciation: /ˈpritē/

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Definition of pretty

adjective (prettier, prettiest)

attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful or handsome:a pretty little girl with an engaging grin
[attributive] informal used ironically in expressions of annoyance or disgust:it is a pretty state of affairs when a young fellow prefers the company of Italian fiddlers to taking possession of his own first command

adverb

[as submodifier] informal

to a moderately high degree; fairly:he looked pretty fit for his age

noun (plural pretties)

informal

an attractive thing, typically a pleasing but unnecessary accessory:he buys her lots of pretties—bangles and rings and things
used to refer in a condescending way to an attractive person, usually a girl or a woman:six pretties in sequined leotards

verb (pretties, prettying, prettied)

[with object]

make pretty or attractive:she’ll be all prettied up and ready to go in an hour

Phrases

pretty much (or nearly or well): informal very nearly:the case is pretty well over
a pretty penny: informal a large sum of money.
pretty please: used as an emphatic or wheedling form of request.
be sitting pretty: informal be in an advantageous position or situation:if she could get sponsors, she would be sitting pretty

Derivatives

prettily
prettiness
prettyish

Origin:

Old English prættig; related to Middle Dutch pertich 'brisk, clever', obsolete Dutch prettig 'humorous, sporty', from a West Germanic base meaning 'trick'. The sense development 'deceitful, cunning, clever, skillful, admirable, pleasing, nice' has parallels in adjectives such as canny, fine, nice, etc.

pretty in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pretty in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

pretty

adjective (prettier, prettiest)

adverb

noun (plural pretties)

verb (pretties, prettying, prettied)

Phrases

pretty much (or nearly or well)

a pretty penny

pretty please

be sitting pretty

Derivatives

prettily

prettiness

prettyish

Origin:

pretty in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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