kempt
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Neat and tidy in appearance, especially of hair: "Kempt" describes something, particularly hair, that is well-groomed, orderly, and clean. It is the opposite of unkempt.
Usage
- The word "kempt" is used to describe a person's hair, beard, or overall grooming that shows care and attention. It is less common than its opposite, "unkempt," and is often used in a slightly formal or literary context to emphasize neatness.
Examples
- Adjective:
- He always appears with kempt hair and a pressed suit.
- The actor's kempt beard was part of his signature look for the role.
- Despite the long journey, she managed to keep her appearance surprisingly kempt.
Advanced Usage
- "Well-kempt": An emphatic form, though somewhat redundant as "kempt" already implies being well-groomed. It is used for added emphasis on the quality of care.
- The garden was well-kempt, with not a single weed in sight. (Here, the meaning extends metaphorically from personal grooming to the maintenance of a space.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unkempt (adj): The much more common antonym, meaning messy, untidy, or not cared for.
- His unkempt hair suggested he had just woken up.
- Kemptness (n): The state or quality of being kempt (rarely used).
- The kemptness of the soldiers' uniforms was strictly enforced.
Synonyms
- Neat: Clean and tidy in appearance.
- Tidy: Arranged neatly and in order.
- Groomed: Made neat and tidy, especially through personal care.
- Well-groomed: Having a very neat and tidy appearance.
Antonyms
- Unkempt: Not neat or tidy; messy.
- Disheveled: Untidy, disordered, especially of hair or clothing.
- Messy: Dirty or untidy.
- Sloppy: Careless and unsystematic; untidy.
Adjective
- (of hair) neat and tidy
- a nicely kempt beard