ˈprɪtɪ adj., n.,
v., & adv. --adj. (prettier, prettiest) 1
attractive in a
delicate way without being truly beautiful or
handsome (a pretty
child; a pretty
dress; a pretty tune). 2 fine or
good of
its kind (a pretty wit). 3
iron.
considerable, fine (a pretty
penny; a pretty
mess you have made). --adv. colloq.
fairly, moderately (am pretty well;
find it pretty difficult). --n. (pl. -ies) a pretty
person (esp. as a
form of
address to a child). --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by up)
make pretty or attractive. øpretty
much (or
nearly or well) colloq.
almost;
very nearly. pretty-pretty
too pretty.
sitting pretty colloq. in a
favourable or advantageous
position. øøprettily adv. prettiness n. prettyish adj. prettyism n. [OE próttig f. WG]