2020-12-06
ศัพท์ น่าสับสน ชุด P – pretty & quite
แนะนำการใช้ ตามที่ส่วนใหญ่ใช้ แต่ละท้องถิ่น
ความหมาย อาจผันแปร ตาม ตำแหน่ง/หน้าที่ ในประโยค
Dictionary.com
ออกเสียง pretty = ‘PRIT-ee’
ออกเสียง Quite = ‘KWAHYT’
Dictionary.com
USAGE NOTE FOR PRETTY
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 often is less stilted than alternatives
such as relatively, moderately, and quite.
Dictionary.com
The Most Insincere Compliments And What To SayInstead
Most people love to get praise or compliments.
Not all compliments are created equal, though.
The best praise is specific.
When it’s clear that you really took the time to understand
or pay attention to the person you’re praising,
that praise feels sincere.
Think about the time you spent all day on a piece of macaroni art in kindergarten,
only to have your parents say, “Very nice, dear.”
They didn’t seem to notice how carefully you glued on all that pasta!
It was an exceptional, marvelous, outstanding effort, wasn’t it?
This is why overused complimentary phrases
like “Good job!” and “Nice work!” often sound insincere.
They don’t feel tailored to the situation.
Using specific, unique language can help beef up your compliments
and make sure that they really land.
We have some strong synonyms for you to try
instead of the classic “How nice!” and “So interesting!”
Check them out below.
A better word for great
The word great comes up a lot in stock compliments
like “great job” and “great work.”
Great is an old word that comes from the Old English grēat,
variously meaning “large,” “thick,” and “extensive.”
Over time, great developed its more contemporary senses
of “significant, outstanding.”
By the 1200s, it extended to describe anything
that was “of particular importance, fame, or note.”
Later, the word came to mean “exceptional,”
although frequent use over time came to weaken the force of the word
in everyday settings (e.g., “that’s great” doesn’t sound so … great).
We use great as an adjective in compliments today
to express that something stands out oris particularly remarkable.
Any of these more interesting synonyms could substitute for great in that context instead:
- exceptional: Something that is particularly accomplished or stand-out, like a piece of work or art, can be described as exceptional. I don’t think I’ve ever had a meal quite so exceptional.
- fantastic: This word can be used to describe anything that brings you joy or sparks your imagination. We had a fantastic time at the amusement park.
- terrific: Anything that is superlatively good can be described as terrific, especially good news or an accomplishment. Did you hear the terrific news? James got a promotion at work.
- tremendous: This word is best to describe things that are astounding because of their quality or work that demonstrates great skill. Samantha did tremendous work closing the deal last quarter.
A better word for nice
Nice is one of those words that, even when said in all sincerity, often sounds sarcastic.
That might have something to do with the fact that nice
originally meant “foolish” or “stupid” when it first entered English around 1250.
Today, nice means “pleasing” or “agreeable.”
Instead of describing someone or something as nice,
these synonyms can substitute:
- lovely: This word is particularly helpful for describing things that are pleasing to the senses, like the weather. This flower arrangement you’ve given me is lovely.
- delightful: Delightful is best for describing moments or sights that cause joy. I found the play delightful.
- charming: The origin of charm is connected to spells and the belief in magical activities, and it still has that connotation today. Anything that casts a spell on you— particularly a charismatic person—is called charming. You are very charming and an excellent conversationalist.
- gracious: This word is used to commend someone who is particularly kind and thoughtful. It’s very gracious of you to bring us a house warming present!
(We’ve got even more synonyms for nice, if you’re interested!)
A better word for good
The word good has a strong moral significance,
but we tend to use it for anything we like in everyday life.
It’s a very old word, dating to before the year 900.
Anything we enjoy, even a little bit, can be called good: a meal, a vacation, a nap.
So while it is still meaningful when someone praises your character as good,
the word has less impact when it comes to more quotidian things
like a good cup of coffee, even if the intention is sincere.
When praising something as good because it is of high quality,
consider using some of its synonyms:
- excellent: This word will help you express that something is particularly pleasing. Your cooking is excellent.
- superb: This word is used for anything magnificent or splendid, like quality food or plans for an outing. We had a superb time at the swimming pool.
- wonderful: This adjective is best for things that inspire astonishment or awe, like spectacles or fantastic experiences. The pyrotechnics in the show were simply wonderful.
- marvelous: This word works well to compliment things that taste or look pleasing. This is a marvelous cup of tea.
A better word for cute
Our suggestion here to use another word besides cute
is in no way a knock on kawaii culture or cuteness in general.
Cute originally meant “sharp” or “clever” (as in acute)
when it was first recorded around 1615. By around 1850, though,
cute came to be used as synonymous for attractive.
In this sense, the word cute is too often used to belittle or infantilize someone, particularly women.
Even literal babies deserve a more interesting compliment than “So cute!”
That’s why we suggest these synonyms instead:
- adorable: Try using this word for small children and pets. Your pit bull is adorable!
- sweet: A kind or thoughtful action or person could be described as sweet. It’s very sweet of you to call me on my birthday.
- lovable: Consider this synonym to talk about a cuddly animal or a fictional character who is well liked. Sherri’s pet chameleon is very lovable.
- winsome: This word is generally used to compliment someone’s charming or pleasing appearance and character. What a winsome smile you have!
A better word for pretty
Describing someone or something using the adjective
pretty is a pleasant enough way to compliment appearance.
But this very old word (it dates to before 1000) is a bit too well worn.
Also, like cute, it can sometimes be used in a way that feels infantilizing,
particularly to women.
One of these synonyms might make a better impression
than pretty when you are complimenting appearance:
- elegant: This word can be used to describe someone or something that is refined, particularly clothes. Your dress is so elegant!
- pleasant: Things that are mildly appealing, like events and weather, can be described as pleasant. We had a very pleasant time with your family last year at the shore.
- graceful: Typically this word is used to describe a person or animal who moves in a pleasing, composed way. The dancers were so graceful.
- handsome: This word generally refers to men who are attractive, but it can also describe anything that appears strong and stately, even inanimate objects. This is a very handsome set of drawers.
- neat: Use this word to express that something is interesting, particularly when it’s surprising or intellectually stimulating. This new design of yours is really neat.
A better word for like
We don’t have a problem with like as a slang interjection.
But saying “I like it” as a compliment is more or less meaningless.
It’s such an empty compliment because it is so general.
It’s also one of the oldest compliments in the world:
it’s been used in this way since before the year 1000.
Instead of like, try
such as these stronger verbs of approval:
- admire: This word can express the feeling of looking up to someone or something. I really admire your work.
- appreciate: If you want to express how deeply you are thankful, use appreciate. My brother really appreciated that you called to congratulate him.
- go for: This informal expression is perfect for describing personal preferences. I think my dad will really go for this watch.
- cherish: This verb will convey how precious and valuable something is, literally or figuratively. We will truly cherish this drawing you’ve given us.
A better word for creative
Human beings are naturally creative.
That’s a big part of what sets us apart from other animals.
The adjective creative is in evidence in English from 1670.
The word comes from the Latin creāre, a verb meaning “to make.”
Humans love to make and create new things
—which might be why describing something as creative
doesn’t feel like much of a compliment.
If you’re making just about anything, it is technically creative.
But there are more interesting ways to praise someone’s innovations:
- gifted: Use this to compliment someone with particular talents or skills. You’re a very gifted pianist.
- ingenious: This word applies to someone with a creative talent or a gift for problem-solving.Of course, it can also apply that person’s work. This ingenious invention is going to change lives.
- innovative: Use this word for creative new solutions or ideas. The committee was impressed with this innovative solution.
- original: Reserve this word for objects or styles that are unique. This painting is quite original; where did you get it?
- visionary: Typically, this word describes an idea or a person that is ambitious and futuristic. I find your work truly visionary and inspiring.
A better word for unique
This final word, unique, has long been the source of controversy.
The word unique comes from Latin by way of French.
It literally means “existing as the only one or sole example.”
In other words, unique is a so-called “absolute” word, like perfect.
Some argue that this means it shouldn’t ever bemodified,
as in “that is very unique.”
But our problem with unique isn’t this issue.
Because the word unique is used so frequently,
the sense that it describes something singular or irreplaceable has been lost.
That’s why we prefer these alternatives:
- extraordinary: This word communicates that something stands out from the crowd. Your work is truly extraordinary.
- incomparable: Typically, this word is used for things that are superlative, especially when it comes to performance or beauty. The soprano’s voice is incomparable.
- peerless: This one applies to people who are incomparable. My aunt has peerless fashion sense.
Try to add these words to your compliment grab bag.
You’ll be surprised how much folks appreciate praise that isn’t just “good job.”
While we can offer suggestions about better wordsto use,
our best piece of advice is to use as many details as possible.
Let the person you are complimenting know that
you notice the specific work they put into what you are praising.
Say what part of the story you liked best,
mention that you noticed their effort to work late every night,
or describe how a particular moment made you feel.
And throw in a few remarkables and a delightful,
and you’re well on your way to creating top-notch compliments
for the superlative people in your lives.
Dictionary.com
VOCAB BUILDER
What does quite mean?
Quite can mean “completely,” “truly,” or “very,”
but it is also sometimes used to mean “somewhat.”
Quite can be used to intensify the meaning of some adjectives,
but it can also be used to soften the meaning of others.
Example: The sky is quite dreary today.
Where does quite come from?
Evidence for the usage of quite in English is first recorded in the first half of the 1300s.
It comes from a Middle English term that meant quit,
and it is related to both quit and quiet.
Quite has quite a few slightly different meanings.
It is often used to add some kind of emphasis,
but sometimes it is used to do the opposite,
so it can be quite confusing
unless you can use the context of the sentenceto figure out
which meaning is intended.
Quite can mean “completely” or “entirely,”
as in quite the opposite or not quite done yet.
It can also be used in ways that emphasize
that something is considerable or exceptional,
as in quite a lot or that was quite the adventure.
However, quite can also mean“somewhat.”
If someone says you’re quite intelligent,
it may be unclear whether they’re saying you’re very intelligent
or pretty intelligent (for your age, for example).
(Feel free to take it as a compliment either way.)
Sometimes, quite is used as a sentence substitute,
meaning it can be used in place of a sentence,
usually in response to something.
When used this way, it indicates agreement or an affirmative response
(equivalent to yes).
Does quite have a lot of uses? Quite.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Choose the Right Synonym for pretty
Adjective
BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY, HANDSOME, PRETTY, COMELY, FAIR
mean exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure.
BEAUTIFUL applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses. beautiful mountain scenery
LOVELY is close to BEAUTIFUL but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite. a lovely melody
HANDSOME suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance. a handsome Georgian mansion
PRETTY often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness. a painter of conventionally pretty scenes
COMELY is like HANDSOME in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to. the comely grace of a dancer
FAIR suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness. fair of face
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Using Pretty as an Adverb: Usage Guide
Adverb
Some handbooks complain that pretty is overworked
and recommend the selection of a more specific word
or advise that pretty should be restricted to informal or colloquial contexts.
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
he may, if he be pretty well off or clever, qualify himself as a doctor — G. B. Shaw a return to those traditions of American foreign policy which worked pretty well for over a century — H. S. Commager the arguments for buying expensive books have to be pretty cogent — The Times Literary Supplement (London)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Pretties
Using the plural noun pretties to refer to dainty things goes back at least to the 1700s.
Some early uses refer to toys and jewelry, but the word was also applied to women's lingerie.
By all rights it should be a lovely word, but because of its association with the Wicked Witch of the West ("I'll get you, my pretty!"), using it at a lingerie store today might sound a bit creepy.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary,
pret′ti•ly, adv.
pret′ti•ness, n.
pret′ty•ish, adj.
syn: See beautiful.
usage:
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 often is less stilted than alternatives
such as relatively, moderately, and quite.
Common Errors In English Usage Dictionary
It’s pretty common to use “pretty” to mean “somewhat” in ordinary speech;
but it should be avoided in formal writing,
where sometimes "very” is more appropriate.
The temptation to use “pretty”
usually indicates the writer is being vague,
so, changing to something more specific may be an even better solution:
“a pretty bad mess” might be “chocolate syrup spilled all over the pizza which had been dumped upside down on the carpet.”
Dictionary of Problem Words and Expression
Pretty
This word is overused to mean many things:
“attractive,” “graceful,” “pleasing,” “delicate,” “comely,” “fair,” and “lovely.”
It is also overused to mean
“moderately,” “somewhat,” or “to a degree” (prettytired, pretty lucky).
Slangy or trite phrases to avoid including
“sitting pretty,” “pretty up,” “a pretty penny,” and “pretty much.”
