neaten
/'ni:tn/
Definition
- Verb:
- To make something tidy or orderly in appearance; to arrange or organize things so that they look neat.
- To groom or care for one's own external appearance to make it neat.
Usage
The verb "neaten" is used to describe the action of making something less messy or more organized. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing being tidied). It is often used in the context of cleaning a space or grooming oneself.
Examples
- Tidying a space or object:
- She quickly neatened the stack of papers on her desk before the meeting.
- Could you please neaten the living room before our guests arrive?
- Grooming oneself:
- He stepped into the bathroom to neaten his hair and straighten his tie.
Advanced Usage
- "Neaten up": This phrasal verb is a common synonym for "neaten," emphasizing the process of making something tidy.
- I need to neaten up my office; it's become quite cluttered.
Variants and Related Words
- Neat (adj): Tidy, orderly, or clean in appearance.
- She keeps a very neat workspace.
- Neatly (adv): In a tidy or orderly manner.
- The books were arranged neatly on the shelf.
Synonyms
- Tidy (up): To make a place neat by putting things in order.
- Straighten (up): To make something orderly or tidy.
- Groom: To make one's appearance neat and tidy.
Antonyms
- Mess up: To make something untidy or disordered.
- Disarrange: To disturb the order or arrangement of something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Neaten up: To make something tidy or orderly.
- Let's neaten up the kitchen after dinner.
Verb
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care for one's external appearance
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He is always well-groomed
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put (things or places) in order
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Tidy up your room!
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