Neat: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘Œ
Add to dictionary

neat

 

[ niหt ]

Adjective / Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

tidy

Neat means clean, tidy, and well-organized. Something that is neat is arranged neatly or is simple and pleasing. It can also refer to someone's appearance, behavior, or handwriting.

Synonyms

clean, orderly, organized, tidy, trim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
neat

Use this word when something looks good and is well-arranged or tidy.

  • Her handwriting is very neat
  • He keeps his room neat and tidy
tidy

Good for something that is arranged neatly and in good order.

  • She always keeps her desk tidy
  • His closet is very tidy
orderly

Perfect for describing situations or places that are systematically arranged and well-organized.

  • The files were in an orderly fashion
  • They maintained an orderly queue
organized

Ideal for talking about something planned well or things arranged systematically.

  • She is very organized with her work
  • His desk is always organized
clean

Best used when something is free from dirt or stains.

  • Make sure your hands are clean before eating
  • The floors were spotless and clean
trim

Often used to describe something that is neat and in good condition, usually small or having clean edges.

  • He has a trim beard
  • The bushes are well-trimmed and look trim

Examples of usage

  • That's a really neat desk you have there.
  • She always keeps her room neat and tidy.
  • He has a neat handwriting that is easy to read.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a skillful and efficient manner

Neat can also be used as an adverb to describe doing something skillfully, efficiently, or quickly.

Synonyms

effectively, efficiently, quickly, skillfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
neat

When describing something that is clean, tidy, or well-organized.

  • Her desk is always neat and organized.
  • He writes in a neat handwriting.
skillfully

When describing someone performing a task with expertise and high-level ability.

  • He skillfully navigated the ship through the storm.
  • The artist painted the portrait very skillfully.
efficiently

When focusing on the optimal use of time and resources to achieve a task.

  • The new software helps employees work more efficiently.
  • She efficiently solved the problem within minutes.
quickly

When emphasizing the speed at which something is done.

  • She quickly finished her homework.
  • He ran quickly to catch the bus.
effectively

When discussing the successful accomplishment of a task or goal, particularly highlighting the outcome.

  • She managed the project effectively, resulting in a 20% increase in sales.
  • By organizing his time effectively, he was able to complete all his assignments.

Examples of usage

  • She solved the puzzle neat and effortlessly.
  • He finished the project neat and on time.

Translations

Translations of the word "neat" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น arrumado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ordentlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rapih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพั…ะฐะนะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ schludny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใใกใ‚“ใจใ—ใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท propre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ordenado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรผzenli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊น”๋”ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุธู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รบhlednรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ upravenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ดๆด็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ urejen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snyrtilegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑา›ั‹ะฟั‚ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ™แƒฃแƒ แƒแƒขแƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sษ™liqษ™li

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ordenado

Etymology

The word 'neat' originated from Middle English 'nete', meaning 'clean, pure, clear'. It has evolved over time to its current meaning of tidy, clean, and well-organized.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,634 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.