pretty /ˈprɪtɪ/ adj ( -tier, -tiest) pleasing or appealing in a delicate or graceful way dainty, neat, or charming commendable; good of its kind: he replied with a pretty wit informal often ironic excellent, grand, or fine: here's a pretty mess! informal lacking in masculinity; effeminate; foppish Scot vigorous or brave an archaic word for elegant sitting pretty ⇒ informal well placed or established financially, socially, etc n ( pl -ties) a pretty person or thing adv informal fairly or ... What does pretty mean ? Learn the meaning of pretty and its definition . Understand what pretty means, get detailed explanations, usage examples, and discover the meaning of pretty in different contexts. 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. Enhance your vocabulary with examples and idioms. Learn the meaning , pronunciation and usage of the adjective pretty , which can describe people, places or things as attractive or pleasant. Find out the difference between pretty and beautiful, handsome, attractive and other related words.