adjective
neat
Pleasing or impressive, often through cleverness.
This neat little tool opens jars with almost no effort.
Etymology
The older idea of cleanness developed into tidiness and skillful execution. Something cleverly or elegantly done could then be called neat as an expression of approval.
More examples
- That's a neat idea for saving space.
- My brother shows me a neat card trick.
- It's neat to watch the butterflies emerge.
Forms
neat · neater · neatest
Similar words
- cool
- Expresses informal approval, often suggesting style rather than cleverness.
- clever
- Emphasizes ingenuity rather than simply being pleasing or interesting.
- impressive
- Suggests stronger admiration for something's quality, scale, or achievement.