Neatness: meaning, definitions and examples

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neatness

 

[ ˈniːtnəs ]

Noun
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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'neatness' originated from Middle English 'nete' which meant 'clean' or 'pure'. It evolved to 'neat' in the 15th century which referred to cleanliness and tidiness. The suffix '-ness' was added to form 'neatness' in the 16th century, emphasizing the quality or state of being neat. Over time, 'neatness' has come to represent not just tidiness, but also precision and elegance.

See also: neaten.

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.