pretty
15 synonyms and 1 antonyms for pretty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Attractive or pleasant to look at, especially in a delicate or charming way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use pretty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English prættig, "cunning, sly, tricky" — the sense shifted over time from "clever" to "attractive," similar to how "cute" developed.
Full origin of pretty →Frequently asked questions
What does “pretty” mean?
The word “pretty” means attractive or pleasant to look at, especially in a delicate or charming way. In plain terms, either "attractive" (adjective) or "fairly/quite" as a softening word before another adjective.
How do you pronounce “pretty”?
“Pretty” is pronounced PRIHT-ee (/ˈpɹɪt.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “pretty” in a sentence?
Here is “pretty” used in a sentence: “They planted a pretty flower garden along the front path.”
What is the opposite of “pretty”?
The opposite of “pretty” — its antonyms — is ugly.
What part of speech is “pretty”?
Depending on how it is used, “pretty” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “pretty” come from?
The word “pretty” comes from Old English. From Old English prættig, "cunning, sly, tricky" — the sense shifted over time from "clever" to "attractive," similar to how "cute" developed.
Is “pretty” a common word?
“Pretty” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pretty” have?
“Pretty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: attractive or pleasant to look at, especially in a delicate or charming way.
What is the difference between pretty and beautiful?
Both describe something pleasant to look at, but they differ in strength. "Pretty" suggests a light, delicate, charming attractiveness, pleasing without being overwhelming. "Beautiful" is stronger and deeper, implying striking, sometimes breathtaking beauty. A garden can be pretty; a sunset over mountains might be called beautiful. Beautiful is generally the bigger compliment.
Can 'pretty' describe more than just people?
Yes. Although "pretty" is often used for a person's appearance, it applies to many things: a pretty dress, a pretty village, a pretty tune, a pretty view. In each case it means delicately attractive or pleasant. So "pretty" is not limited to women or faces; it suits anything charming and pleasing to the senses.
What is the opposite of pretty?
The usual opposites are "ugly," meaning unpleasant to look at, and "plain," meaning ordinary and unremarkable rather than actively unattractive. "Plain" is the gentler opposite, simply lacking prettiness, while "ugly" is stronger and more negative. Which one fits depends on how blunt you intend to be.