cute
Cute (adj) means Attractive in a charming, often small or youthful way. Example: “The puppy is so cute everyone wants to hold it.”
How to use cute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEndearingly attractive, often used for babies, animals, or someone you find charming.
Word forms
cuter comparative, cutest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The puppy is so _____ everyone wants to hold it.
Etymology
A shortened form of "acute," originally meaning "sharp-witted"; the meaning shifted in 19th-century American slang to "pretty" and "endearing."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cute
See all rhymes for cute →Frequently asked questions
What does “cute” mean?
The word “cute” means attractive in a charming, often small or youthful way. In plain terms, endearingly attractive, often used for babies, animals, or someone you find charming.
How do you pronounce “cute”?
“Cute” is pronounced kyoot (/kjuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cute” in a sentence?
Here is “cute” used in a sentence: “The puppy is so cute everyone wants to hold it.”
What is another word for “cute”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cute” include having features mainly attributed to infants and small and cuddly animals.
What part of speech is “cute”?
“Cute” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cute” come from?
The word “cute” dates back to around 1800. A shortened form of "acute," originally meaning "sharp-witted"; the meaning shifted in 19th-century American slang to "pretty" and "endearing.".
Is “cute” a common word?
“Cute” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “cute” have?
“Cute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: attractive in a charming, often small or youthful way.
What is the difference between cute and beautiful?
'Cute' describes something charming and endearing, often small, youthful, or playful — a puppy or a toddler. 'Beautiful' suggests a deeper, more striking attractiveness that commands admiration, like a stunning face or landscape. Cute makes you smile; beautiful makes you pause. Beautiful carries more weight and seriousness.
What is the difference between cute and pretty?
Both are gentle compliments. 'Cute' leans toward charming, playful, and endearing, often with a hint of smallness or youth. 'Pretty' suggests a pleasing, delicate attractiveness that is more about looks than personality. A kitten is cute; a flower or a face is pretty. The overlap between them is wide.
Is calling someone 'cute' a compliment?
Usually, yes — it means they are charming and appealing. For adults, though, 'cute' can feel lighter or less serious than 'beautiful' or 'handsome', occasionally hinting at childlike rather than mature attractiveness. Tone and context decide, but in most everyday use it is warmly meant.
What kinds of things are described as cute?
Cute is most often applied to babies, children, puppies, kittens, and other small animals, whose youthful features naturally charm us. It also fits little objects and gestures — a tiny cottage, a small car, a shy smile — anything that feels endearing, harmless, and delightful in a gentle way.
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