Presentable: meaning, definitions and examples

👔
Add to dictionary

presentable

 

[prɪˈzɛntəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Looking well-dressed and neat; having a favorable appearance or impression.

Synonyms

neat, smart, tidy, well-groomed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
presentable

Use when someone or something looks good enough to be seen by others, often in a professional or formal setting.

  • He made sure his outfit was presentable for the job interview.
  • The room must be presentable before the guests arrive.
neat

Describes something that is clean, orderly, and well-organized.

  • Her desk is always neat and tidy.
  • He kept his notes neat and easy to read.
tidy

Refers to something that is clean and organized, often used for spaces like rooms and work areas.

  • She spent the morning tidying up her room.
  • He likes to keep his workspace tidy.
well-groomed

Describes someone who takes care of their appearance, including hair, skin, and clothing.

  • She is always well-groomed, with perfectly styled hair.
  • A well-groomed appearance can make a good first impression.
smart

Usually used to describe someone who dresses stylishly and looks well put-together. Often used in British English.

  • She looked very smart in her new dress.
  • He's always smartly dressed for work.

Examples of usage

  • She always looks presentable for important meetings.
  • He made sure the house was presentable before the guests arrived.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a way that is appropriate and socially acceptable.

Synonyms

appropriate, decent, polite, respectable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
presentable

This word is suitable when describing someone's appearance or behavior that is neat and acceptable, especially for a social or formal setting.

  • He made sure he looked presentable before the job interview
  • The house was clean and presentable for our guests
decent

This word describes something that is satisfactory, respectable, or of acceptable quality or morality. It sometimes implies a minimum standard.

  • He has a decent job that pays well
  • They found a decent place to eat nearby
respectable

This word is used to describe someone or something that is worthy of respect due to good quality, status, or behavior. It is often used in a more serious or formal context.

  • He has a respectable career in medicine
  • They live in a respectable neighborhood known for its safety
appropriate

Use this word to describe something that is suitable or proper for a specific situation, meeting expectations or norms.

  • It is important to wear appropriate clothing to work
  • These shoes are appropriate for a hiking trip
polite

This word is used to describe respectful and considerate behavior towards others. It pertains to good manners and social etiquette.

  • She was polite to everyone at the party
  • Remember to be polite and thank your host

Examples of usage

  • She gave a presentable speech at the conference.
  • His manners were always presentable in public.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'praesentabilis', meaning 'capable of being presented'.
  • It first appeared in English in the 18th century, reflecting the growing importance of appearance and formality.
  • The root 'present' comes from the Latin 'praesentare', meaning 'to place before'.

Social Customs

  • In many cultures, being presentable is linked to respect and professionalism, especially in job interviews.
  • Dress codes at schools and workplaces often set guidelines for being presentable, showcasing societal values.
  • During public speaking events, how presentable a speaker looks can influence the audience's perception.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who feel they look presentable often have higher self-esteem and confidence.
  • The 'halo effect' suggests that people who present themselves well are often perceived as more competent and trustworthy.
  • How one appears can greatly impact first impressions, which are formed within seconds of meeting someone.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In different cultures, what is considered presentable can vary widely, influenced by local traditions and norms.
  • For example, in some Asian cultures, being well-groomed reflects family honor and personal discipline.
  • Fashion trends also shape the idea of being presentable, as certain styles become synonymous with professionalism over time.

Communication

  • Non-verbal communication, like body language and attire, are crucial for making a presentable impression.
  • Effective presentation skills often involve not just appearance but also how one communicates ideas clearly.
  • Presentable visuals, like slides in a presentation, can enhance understanding and retention of information.

Translations

Translations of the word "presentable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apresentável

🇮🇳 प्रस्तुत करने योग्य

🇩🇪 ansehnlich

🇮🇩 layak tampil

🇺🇦 презентабельний

🇵🇱 prezentowalny

🇯🇵 見栄えが良い

🇫🇷 présentable

🇪🇸 presentable

🇹🇷 sunulabilir

🇰🇷 보기에 좋은

🇸🇦 مُقَدَّم

🇨🇿 prezentovatelný

🇸🇰 prezentovateľný

🇨🇳 体面的

🇸🇮 predstavljiv

🇮🇸 sýntilegur

🇰🇿 ұсынуға жарамды

🇬🇪 წარსადგენი

🇦🇿 təqdim edilə bilən

🇲🇽 presentable

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,823, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.