pretty
Translation
[adj] attractive, [adj] lovely, [adv] quite, [adv] fairly
Examples
She has a pretty smile.
She has a pretty smile.
The movie was pretty good.
The film was pretty good.
Grammar Patterns
((a pretty noun)) [adj] describing a noun She wore a pretty dress.
((pretty adjective/adverb)) [adv] modifying an adjective or adverb It's pretty cold today.
Similar Words
Synonyms: [adj] beautiful, attractive; [adv] quite, rather
Etymology
From Old English 'prættig' meaning 'crafty, cunning'. The meaning shifted to 'clever', then to 'pleasing, fine'.
Memory Tips
Remember its two main uses: as an adjective for something attractive, and as an adverb meaning 'quite' or 'fairly'.