tidy
3 antonyms and opposites of tidy, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Neatly arranged; not messy or cluttered.
Antonyms
How to use tidy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English tidy, originally meaning "timely" or "seasonable," from "tide" (time) plus "-y." The meaning shifted over centuries from "in good time" to "neat and orderly."
Full origin of tidy →Frequently asked questions
What does “tidy” mean?
The word “tidy” means neatly arranged; not messy or cluttered. In plain terms, neat and well-organized, or, informally, a decent-sized amount (especially of money).
How do you pronounce “tidy”?
“Tidy” is pronounced TEYE-dee (/ˈtaɪ.di/ in IPA).
How do you use “tidy” in a sentence?
Here is “tidy” used in a sentence: “She keeps her desk perfectly tidy.”
What is another word for “tidy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tidy” include orderly, presentable, spick and span, clean, seasonable and fit.
What is the opposite of “tidy”?
The opposite of “tidy” — its antonyms — are messy, untidy and slipshod.
What part of speech is “tidy”?
Depending on how it is used, “tidy” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “tidy” come from?
The word “tidy” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tidy, originally meaning "timely" or "seasonable," from "tide" (time) plus "-y." The meaning shifted over centuries from "in good time" to "neat and orderly.".
Is “tidy” a common word?
“Tidy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.