Neaten: meaning, definitions and examples

🧹

Add to dictionary

neaten

[ˈniːtn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

tidy up

To make neat or tidy; to straighten up or organize.

Synonyms

clean up, straighten up, tidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
neaten	Used when making something look more orderly and refined, especially focusing on appearance. She took a moment to neaten her hair before the meeting
tidy	Used to describe the action of making a space neat and orderly, focusing on both appearance and organization. Common in British English. She tidied her desk before starting her work
clean up	Used in situations where dirt or mess needs to be removed. It implies a more thorough process, often involving cleaning supplies. We need to clean up the kitchen after cooking dinner
straighten up	Used when someone needs to make a space more organized by arranging things in their proper places. Often used for quick and minor adjustments. Please straighten up the living room before our guests arrive

Examples of usage

He asked his children to neaten up their rooms before the guests arrived.
She always neaten up her desk at the end of the workday.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'neaten' is derived from the Middle English word 'neat,' which means 'clean' or 'tidy'.
It roots back to the Old French 'net', meaning 'clean', showing its connections to cleanliness in various languages.

Psychology

Studies indicate that a tidy environment can enhance focus and productivity, reflecting how cleaning up can improve mental clarity.
People often feel a sense of accomplishment and reduced anxiety when they neaten their spaces, tying order to mental well-being.

Cultural Contexts

In some cultures, having a neat home is a sign of respect for guests and family, reflecting social values around hospitality.
Different cultures have varied standards of neatening; for instance, minimalism in Japanese culture emphasizes simplicity in tidiness.

Literature

'Neaten' has appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing personal growth or transformation when characters tidy their lives or spaces.
The act of neatening is sometimes used metaphorically in stories, indicating characters taking control of their chaotic circumstances.

Pop Culture

Television shows about home makeovers often highlight the transformative power of neatening, showcasing before-and-after scenes.
Social media influencers frequently share 'neatening' tips, emphasizing organization as a trendy lifestyle choice in today's society.

Translations

Translations of the word "neaten" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrumar

organizar
limpar

🇮🇳 साफ़ करना

🇩🇪 aufräumen

ordnen
säubern

🇮🇩 merapikan

mengatur
membersihkan

🇺🇦 прибирати

🇵🇱 porządkować

układać
sprzątać

🇯🇵 整える (ととのえる)

🇫🇷 ranger

organiser
nettoyer

🇪🇸 ordenar

organizar
limpiar

🇹🇷 düzeltmek

düzenlemek
temizlemek

🇰🇷 정리하다 (jeong-rihada)

정돈하다 (jeong-donhada)
청소하다 (cheongsohada)

🇸🇦 ترتيب

تنظيم
تنظيف

🇨🇿 uklízet

🇸🇰 upratať

🇨🇳 整理 (zhěnglǐ)

🇸🇮 urediti

🇮🇸 að ganga frá

að skipuleggja
að þrífa

🇰🇿 жинау

🇬🇪 დალაგება

🇦🇿 təmir etmək

🇲🇽 ordenar

organizar
limpiar