adj., n., v., & adv.
adj. (prettier, prettiest) 1 attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful or handsome (a pretty child; a pretty dress; a pretty tune). 2 fine or good of its kind (a pretty wit). 3 iron. considerable, fine (a pretty penny; a pretty mess you have made).
adv. colloq. fairly, moderately (am pretty well; find it pretty difficult).
n. (pl. -ies) a pretty person (esp. as a form of address to a child).
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by up) make pretty or attractive. pretty much (or nearly or well) colloq. almost; very nearly. pretty-pretty too pretty. sitting pretty colloq. in a favourable or advantageous position. prettily adv. prettiness n. prettyish adj. prettyism n.
[ OE prttig f. WG ]