Pretty is used to tone down a statement and is in wide use across the whole spectrum of English. It is common in informal speech and writing but is neither rare nor wrong in serious discourse.

PRETTY definition: pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness. See examples of pretty used in a sentence.

We can use pretty as an adverb, before an adjective or another adverb, meaning ‘quite, but not extremely’. It is informal: …

1. To a fair degree; moderately: a pretty good student. 2. In a pretty manner; prettily or pleasingly.

Feb 25, 2026 · When particularly stressed, the adverb pretty serves almost to diminish the adjective or adverb that it modifies, by emphasizing that there are greater levels of intensity.

Use the word pretty to describe something with a delicate and pleasant appearance. Something that’s pretty is less powerful and intimidating than something that’s beautiful, the way a pretty floral …

The qualifying adverb pretty, meaning "fairly or moderately'' has been in general use since the late 16th century. Although most common in informal speech and writing, it is far from restricted to them, and …

If you describe someone as pretty, you mean that they are attractive. She's a very charming and very pretty girl.

pretty (especially of a girl or woman) pleasant to look at: She's got a very pretty face. Pretty is used most often to talk about girls. When it is used to talk about a woman, it usually suggests that she is …

Jul 15, 2025 · Uncover the full scope of "pretty" in this comprehensive glossary entry. Delve into its evolving definitions, surprising etymology, and varied usage as an adjective, adverb, noun, and verb. …