Dictionary
pret•ty
Pronunciation: (prit'ē), [key]
—adj., -ti•er, -ti•est,
—n., pl. -ties,
—adv., v., -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. Informal.considerable; fairly great:
This accident will cost him a pretty sum.
7. Archaic or Scot.brave; hardy.
—
n.
1. Usually,
pretties. 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. Informal.prettily.
4. sitting pretty, Informal.
a. in an advantageous position.
b. well-to-do; successful.
—
v.t.
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.
