Neatness: meaning, definitions and examples

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neatness

 

[ˈniːtnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal organization

The quality or state of being neat; tidiness.

Synonyms

cleanliness, orderliness, tidiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neatness

Used to describe the quality of being clean, organized, and free from dirt or clutter. Typically applied to appearance, handwriting, workspaces, or arrangements.

  • Her neatness is evident in her meticulously organized desk.
  • I admire the neatness of his handwriting; every letter is perfectly formed.
tidiness

Refers specifically to the appearance of being neat and uncluttered. Frequently used in casual settings when talking about personal spaces or appearances.

  • He was praised for the tidiness of his room.
  • Maintaining tidiness in shared spaces is important for everyone's comfort.
orderliness

Describes a situation that is organized and methodical, where things are in their proper places and follow a logical sequence. Often applied to processes, workspaces, and arrangements.

  • The orderliness of the filing system makes it easy to find documents.
  • She appreciated the orderliness of the schedule, which helped her manage her time better.
cleanliness

Refers to the state or practice of keeping oneself and one's surroundings clean and free from dirt, germs, or contaminants. Often related to hygiene and health.

  • Regular handwashing is essential for maintaining cleanliness.
  • The cleanliness of the restaurant's kitchen was inspected by health officials.

Examples of usage

  • She always admired the neatness of his desk.
  • The neatness of her handwriting was impressive.
Context #2 | Noun

appearance

The quality of being cleverly effective, stylish, or smart in appearance.

Synonyms

elegance, smartness, stylishness.

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Word Description / Examples
neatness

Used to describe a state of being clean and organized, often related to one's environment or personal appearance.

  • Her neatness is evident in her perfectly organized desk.
  • The neatness of the room impressed the guests.
stylishness

Used to describe someone or something that follows current fashion trends and looks attractive.

  • Her stylishness is evident in her choice of clothes.
  • The stylishness of the new furniture appealed to many customers.
smartness

Used to indicate intelligence or wit, but also often referring to a tidy and clean appearance.

  • His smartness in solving the problem won him praise.
  • Your smartness in dressing up today is noticeable.
elegance

Used to describe gracefulness and sophistication, often in reference to fashion, etiquette, and design.

  • The elegance of her evening gown was unparalleled.
  • He moved with the elegance of a ballet dancer.

Examples of usage

  • Her outfit was a perfect blend of neatness and sophistication.
  • The neatness of the design caught everyone's attention.
Context #3 | Noun

precision

The quality of being done with precision or accuracy.

Synonyms

accuracy, meticulousness, precision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neatness

Often used to describe the quality of being clean, tidy, and orderly. This can apply to personal appearance, handwriting, or organization of spaces.

  • Her neatness was evident in the way she arranged her books on the shelf.
  • The neatness of his handwriting made the notes easy to read.
precision

Often refers to exactness and consistency, particularly in technical or scientific contexts. It can describe measurements, actions, or processes that require exact replication.

  • The precision of the clockwork allowed the watch to keep accurate time.
  • Precision in programming is essential to avoid bugs in the software.
accuracy

Refers to the correctness or exactness of information or performance. Commonly used in contexts involving data, measurements, or statements.

  • The scientist's accuracy in recording the data was crucial to the experiment.
  • You need to ensure the accuracy of the financial report before submitting it.
meticulousness

Describes extreme attention to detail. It implies carefulness and thoroughness in completing tasks and can sometimes carry a slightly obsessive connotation.

  • Her meticulousness in crafting handmade jewelry resulted in beautiful designs.
  • The editor's meticulousness in reviewing the manuscript was appreciated by the author.

Examples of usage

  • The neatness with which he solved the math problem was commendable.
  • The neatness of his workmanship was evident in every detail.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'neat' comes from the Old French 'net', meaning clean, tidy, or free from clutter.
  • Originally, 'neat' was related to animals and described livestock that were well-kept and cared for.
  • The first known use of the word 'neatness' in English dates back to the 16th century.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, neatness is associated with professionalism and respectability, making it essential in business settings.
  • Japanese culture emphasizes cleanliness through practices like 'shinrin-yoku' (forest bathing), promoting neatness in surroundings as a form of mental health.
  • In Scandinavian countries, 'hygge' embraces a cozy and orderly environment, suggesting that neatness contributes to happiness.

Psychology

  • Research shows that a tidy environment can enhance focus and productivity, reducing stress levels.
  • Some studies suggest that people who maintain neatness in their homes may exhibit higher levels of conscientiousness.
  • Cluttered spaces can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, making neatness vital for overall well-being.

Literature

  • In literature, neatness often symbolizes order and control, contrasting characters who are chaotic or disorganized.
  • Authors like Jane Austen and F. Scott Fitzgerald used neatness in their stories to reflect characters' personalities and social status.
  • Poems and prose about neatness explore themes of simplicity and the beauty of an organized life.

Art

  • In art, neatness can be a representation of meticulousness and attention to detail, often found in classical painting techniques.
  • The minimalist movement in art champions neatness, using simplicity and ordered design to convey powerful messages.
  • Geometric abstraction in modern art relies on neat lines and orderly compositions to evoke clarity and focus.

Translations

Translations of the word "neatness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrumação

🇮🇳 साफ-सफाई

🇩🇪 Ordnung

🇮🇩 keteraturan

🇺🇦 акуратність

🇵🇱 czystość

🇯🇵 整然

🇫🇷 propreté

🇪🇸 orden

🇹🇷 düzen

🇰🇷 정돈

🇸🇦 نظافة

🇨🇿 čistota

🇸🇰 čistota

🇨🇳 整洁

🇸🇮 čistost

🇮🇸 hreinlæti

🇰🇿 тазалық

🇬🇪 სისუფთავე

🇦🇿 təmizlik

🇲🇽 orden

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,467, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.