pretty

/'priti/

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Certainly! Let's break down the word "pretty" for you.

Definition:

Pretty can be used in two main ways: as an adjective and as an adverb.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "pretty" can be used to express a level of acceptance or tolerance. For example:
  • He is pretty clever with computers. (He has a good level of skill with computers.)

Word Variants:

• Prettiness (noun): The quality of being pretty.
  • Example: The prettiness of the flowers brightened the room.
• Prettily (adverb): In a pretty manner.
  • Example: She decorated the cake prettily.

Different Meanings:

• Besides its meanings related to beauty and degree, "pretty" can also imply a gentle or mild quality, often in a way that softens a statement.

Synonyms:

• Attractive
• Lovely
• Nice
• Fairly (when used as an adverb)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Pretty much": This phrase means almost or nearly.
  • Example: I’ve pretty much finished my homework. (I have almost finished my homework.)

Summary:

"Pretty" is a versatile word in English used to describe beauty or attractiveness and to indicate a moderate degree of something. Remember to pay attention to the context, as it can change its meaning, especially when used ironically!

Academic

Adjective

1. (used ironically) unexpectedly bad
   • a pretty mess
   • a pretty kettle of fish
2. pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
   • pretty girl
   • pretty song
   • pretty room

Adverb

1. to a moderately sufficient extent or degree
   • pretty big
   • pretty bad
   • jolly decent of him
   • the shoes are priced reasonably
   • he is fairly clever with computers

Synonyms

• reasonably
• moderately
• jolly
• somewhat
• fairly
• middling
• passably