Pretty vs. Very — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Pretty" is an adverb meaning fairly or moderately, and an adjective for attractiveness, while "very" is an intensifier, emphasizing degree or extent.
Difference Between Pretty and Very
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
As an adverb, "pretty" is used to somewhat soften the intensity of an adjective or adverb it modifies, suggesting a moderate degree. For example, saying "pretty good" implies that something is good but not to an extreme or exceptional level. As an adjective, "pretty" refers to something that is visually appealing or attractive, often in a delicate or refined way. On the other hand, "very" is used as an adverb to intensify or emphasize the degree of an adjective or another adverb, suggesting a higher level of intensity. For example, "very good" indicates a higher degree of goodness than "pretty good."
When "pretty" is used as an adverb, it adds a nuanced tone, suggesting that while the statement it modifies is positive, it's not at the highest possible level of positivity. It introduces a level of ambiguity, leaving some room for interpretation. "Very," however, leaves less room for ambiguity when used as an intensifier; it clearly amplifies the quality it is modifying, making a statement more definitive and strong.
The choice between "pretty" and "very" can also reflect the speaker's attitude or the context of the conversation. Using "pretty" might indicate a more casual or conversational tone, whereas "very" might be used for emphasis or to convey a stronger opinion. For example, in informal settings, one might say, "I'm pretty tired," while in a more dramatic or emphatic context, one might say, "I'm very tired."
In terms of usage, "pretty" as an adjective is often subjective and tied to personal or cultural standards of beauty, and its application can vary widely across different contexts and individuals. "Very," being purely an adverb of degree, is more straightforward in its application, as it directly enhances the attribute it modifies without the subjective nuances associated with beauty or aesthetic appeal.
Both "pretty" and "very" serve important roles in English for modifying the intensity or appearance of qualities, but their usage and implications can differ significantly, reflecting subtleties in meaning, emphasis, and tone in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb (moderately) or adjective (attractive)
Adverb (intensifies)
Intensity
Indicates a moderate level of intensity
Indicates a high level of intensity
Usage
Softens the degree of what's being described; can be subjective
Amplifies and emphasizes the degree without ambiguity
Tone
Can suggest a casual or nuanced perspective
Often used for stronger emphasis or in more definitive statements
Context
"Pretty" as an adjective relates to aesthetics; as an adverb, it's more nuanced
"Very" is straightforward and used to intensify adjectives or adverbs
Compare with Definitions
Pretty
As an adverb, it means to a moderate degree.
The exam was pretty difficult, but I managed to pass.
Very
Adds definitiveness to a statement.
He's very certain about his decision to move.
Pretty
As an adjective, it refers to something visually appealing.
She wore a pretty dress to the party.
Very
Used to emphasize the degree of an adjective or adverb.
The performance was very impressive, earning a standing ovation.
Pretty
Used to soften the intensity of a statement.
We're pretty excited about the upcoming trip.
Very
Indicates a high level of intensity or extent.
She was very tired after the long journey.
Pretty
In the context of aesthetics, it's often subjective.
The painting is pretty, with its bright colors and soft lines.
Very
Often used for strong emphasis in various contexts.
The issue is very important to everyone involved.
Pretty
Can introduce a nuanced tone or casual remark.
I'm pretty sure I locked the door when we left.
Very
Lacks the nuanced or subjective tone associated with "pretty."
The results were very clear, leaving no room for doubt.
Pretty
(of a person, especially a woman or child) attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful
A pretty little girl with an engaging grin
Very
In a high degree; extremely
Very happy.
Very much admired.
Pretty
Used ironically to express annoyance or displeasure
He led me a pretty dance
Very
Truly; absolutely
The very best advice.
Attended the very same schools.
Pretty
To a moderately high degree; fairly
He looked pretty fit for his age
It was a pretty bad injury
Very
Very Used in titles
The Very Reverend Jane Smith.
Pretty
An attractive thing, especially a trinket
He buys her lots of pretties—bangles and rings
Very
Complete; absolute
At the very end of his career.
Pretty
Make pretty or attractive
She'll be all prettied up and ready to go in an hour
Very
Being the same; identical
That is the very question she asked yesterday.
Pretty
Pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way.
Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
The very item needed to increase sales.
Pretty
Clever; adroit
A pretty maneuver.
Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
Pretty
Very bad; terrible
In a pretty predicament.
A situation that has reached a pretty pass.
Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
Pretty
Ostensibly or superficially attractive but lacking substance or conviction
Full of pretty phrases.
Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
Pretty
(Informal) Considerable in size or extent
A pretty fortune.
Very
The same; identical.
He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.
That's the very tool that I need.
Pretty
To a fair degree; moderately
A pretty good student.
Very
With limiting effect: mere.
Pretty
In a pretty manner; prettily or pleasingly.
Very
To a great extent or degree.
That dress is very you.
Not very many (of them) had been damaged.
She's very like her mother.
‘Is she busy?’ ― ‘Not very.’
Pretty
One that is pretty.
Very
Conforming to fact, reality or rule; true.
Pretty
Pretties Delicate clothing, especially lingerie.
Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
Pretty
To make pretty
Pretty up the house.
Very
True; real; actual; veritable.
Whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
The very essence of truth is plainness and brightness.
I looked on the consideration of public service or public ornament to be real and very justice.
Pretty
Pleasant to the sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.
Very
In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sun; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt.
Pretty
Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.
Very
Precisely as stated;
The very center of town
Pretty
Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.
Very
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
Pretty
Cunning; clever, skilful.
Very
Used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
His very name struck terror
Caught in the very act
Pretty
(dated) Moderately large; considerable.
Very
Used to give emphasis;
The very essence of artistic expression is invention
The very back of the room
Pretty
(dated) Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).
Very
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
Pretty
(ironic) Awkward, unpleasant.
Very
Precisely so;
On the very next page
He expected the very opposite
Pretty
Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very.
Pretty
(dialect) Prettily, in a pretty manner.
Pretty
A pretty person; a term of address to a pretty person.
Pretty
Something that is pretty.
We'll stop at the knife store and look at the sharp pretties.
Pretty
To make pretty; to beautify
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; attracting, but not striking or impressing; of a pleasing and attractive form a color; having slight or diminutive beauty; neat or elegant without elevation or grandeur; pleasingly, but not grandly, conceived or expressed; as, a pretty face; a pretty flower; a pretty poem.
This is the prettiest lowborn lass that everRan on the greensward.
Pretty
Moderately large; considerable; as, he had saved a pretty fortune.
Pretty
Affectedly nice; foppish; - used in an ill sense.
The pretty gentleman is the most complaisant in the world.
Pretty
Mean; despicable; contemptible; - used ironically; as, a pretty trick; a pretty fellow.
Pretty
Stout; strong and brave; intrepid; valiant.
[He] observed they were pretty men, meaning not handsome.
Pretty
In some degree; moderately; considerably; rather; almost; - less emphatic than very; as, I am pretty sure of the fact; pretty cold weather.
Pretty plainly professes himself a sincere Christian.
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing;
Pretty girl
Pretty song
Pretty room
Pretty
(used ironically) unexpectedly bad;
A pretty mess
A pretty kettle of fish
Pretty
Used as an intensifier (`jolly' is used informally in Britain);
Pretty big
Pretty bad
Jolly decent of him
Common Curiosities
Can "very" be used as an adjective?
No, "very" is used as an adverb to intensify the degree of adjectives or other adverbs, not as an adjective.
Is "pretty" always related to physical attractiveness?
As an adjective, "pretty" relates to physical attractiveness, but as an adverb, it means to a moderate degree and is not related to aesthetics.
Does "very" imply a higher intensity than "pretty"?
Yes, "very" is used to indicate a higher level of intensity or emphasis than "pretty."
Can the use of "pretty" in a sentence change its tone?
Yes, using "pretty" can introduce a casual or nuanced tone, suggesting a moderate degree rather than an extreme.
Is "very" suitable for formal writing?
"Very" can be used in formal writing to intensify statements, but it's often recommended to use more specific adjectives for clarity and strength.
Are there contexts where "pretty" is preferred over "very"?
In casual or conversational contexts, "pretty" might be preferred for its softer, more nuanced implication of degree.
How does "pretty" function as an adverb?
As an adverb, "pretty" modifies adjectives or other adverbs to indicate a moderate degree or level of something.
Can "pretty" as an adverb and "very" be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they convey different degrees of intensity, with "pretty" being more moderate and "very" indicating a higher level.
How does context affect the use of "pretty" and "very"?
The context, such as formality, tone, and intent, can influence the choice between "pretty" and "very," with "pretty" often used more casually and "very" for stronger emphasis.
How do "pretty" and "very" contribute to the clarity of communication?
Both "pretty" and "very" modify the intensity of statements, contributing to the clarity of communication by indicating the degree of what's being described.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
