Tidy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿงน
Add to dictionary

tidy

 

[ หˆtaษช.di ]

Adjective / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

keeping things neat and in order

Arranged neatly and in order; neat and clean. Characterized by or indicating neatness and order.

Synonyms

neat, orderly, well-organized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tidy

Used when referring to a space, appearance, or general organization that is clean and arranged well. Often used for homes, rooms, and small spaces.

  • Her bedroom was always tidy, with everything in its place.
  • Please keep your desk tidy.
neat

Refers to a space, appearance, or handwriting that is clean and well-arranged. Often used to describe personal appearance, handwriting, or small tasks.

  • He has very neat handwriting.
  • Her hair was neat and well-groomed.
orderly

Describes a condition where things are arranged in a logical, systematic way. Often used in formal or professional contexts, such as workplaces or libraries.

  • The files are kept in an orderly fashion.
  • The books were arranged in an orderly manner on the shelves.
well-organized

Implies that something is planned and arranged efficiently, often referring to events, schedules, or systems. Commonly used in professional or academic contexts.

  • The conference was very well-organized.
  • She is known for being a well-organized project manager.

Examples of usage

  • He was always very tidy and organized.
  • She keeps her desk tidy with everything in its place.
Context #2 | Verb

to make something neat and orderly

To make (something) neat and orderly by putting things in their proper places. To clean or put in order.

Synonyms

clean up, organize, straighten up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tidy

Also used to describe making a space neat and orderly, often with a focus on removing small messes or clutter.

  • She needs to tidy her desk at the end of the day
clean up

This phrase often refers to removing dirt, mess, or clutter from a space, making it thoroughly clean.

  • After the party, we had to clean up the entire house
organize

Preferred when referring to arranging items methodically and systematically. It implies creating an efficient structure.

  • He likes to organize his files so he can find everything quickly
straighten up

Often used to mean putting things in their proper place and making a space look orderly. It suggests a lesser degree of effort compared to 'cleaning up'.

  • I'll straighten up the living room before our guests get here

Examples of usage

  • She tidied up the room before the guests arrived.
  • He tidied his workspace to increase productivity.

Translations

Translations of the word "tidy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น arrumado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคฅเคฐเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ordentlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rapi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะบัƒั€ะฐั‚ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ porzฤ…dny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใใ‚Œใ„ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท soignรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ordenado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท derli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊น”๋”ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑุชุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รบhlednรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ upravenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ดๆด็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ urejen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hrein

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑา›ั‹ะฟั‚ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฃแƒคแƒ—แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sษ™liqษ™li

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ordenado

Etymology

The word 'tidy' originated from the Old English word 'tฤซdian', meaning 'to happen at a certain time'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify being neat and in order. The usage of 'tidy' as an adjective to describe cleanliness and organization dates back to the 16th century.

See also: tidiness, tidying, untidily, untidy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,874, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.