adverb

pretty

To a moderate degree.

The water feels pretty cold this morning.

Etymology

Pretty developed from senses such as clever or pleasing into an adverb of degree. In this use, it means fairly or to a noticeable but not necessarily extreme extent.

More examples

  • That was a pretty good sandwich.
  • I am pretty sure we turned too soon.
  • She finished the puzzle pretty quickly.

Forms

pretty

Similar words

fairly
A less conversational way to express a moderate degree.
rather
Often slightly more measured or formal than conversational pretty.