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

We can use pretty as an adverb, before an adjective or another adverb, meaning ‘quite, but not extremely’. It is informal: … That's a pretty hat you're wearing. The sofa was covered in very …

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

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

Jul 16, 2025 · 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.

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

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 raincoat is less intimidating than a beautiful film star.

Pretty is an adjective that describes something or someone as visually pleasing, attractive, or aesthetically appealing. It is often used to convey a sense of beauty, charm, elegance, or loveliness.

pleasing or attractive, esp. in a delicate or graceful way: a pretty face. pleasing or charming but not grand or overwhelming: a pretty little cabin in the woods.

PRETTY meaning: 1 : attractive to look at usually in a simple or delicate way used especially of a girl or woman; 2 : pleasant to look at or listen to