pretty: Meaning and Definition of

pret•ty

Pronunciation: (prit'ē), [key]
— adj., n., pl. adv., v., -ti•er, -ti•est, -ties, -tied, -ty•ing.
—adj.
  1. pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness: a pretty face.
  2. (of things, places, etc.) pleasing to the eye, esp. without grandeur.
  3. pleasing to the ear: a pretty tune.
  4. pleasing to the mind or aesthetic taste: He writes pretty little stories.
  5. (often used ironically) fine; grand: This is a pretty mess!
  6. considerable; fairly great: This accident will cost him a pretty sum.
  7. brave; hardy.
—n.
  1. Usually,pretty ornaments, clothes, etc.
  2. a pretty person: Sit down, my pretty.
—adv.
  1. fairly or moderately: Her work was pretty good.
  2. quite; very: The wind blew pretty hard.
  3. prettily.
    1. in an advantageous position.
    2. well-to-do; successful.
—v.t.
  1. to make pretty; improve the appearance of (sometimes fol. by up): to pretty oneself for a party; to pretty up a room.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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