Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make neat, smart, or trim; to adorn or improve the appearance of oneself or something else, often with small, careful adjustments.

Usage

• The verb "titivate" is used to describe the act of making small improvements to appearance or neatness. It often implies a final, finishing touch.
• It is commonly used in informal or slightly old-fashioned contexts.
• It can be used both reflexively (titivating oneself) and transitively (titivating something).

Examples

• Transitive use (titivating something):
  • She decided to titivate the living room before the guests arrived.
  • I need to titivate this report before submitting it.
• Reflexive use (titivating oneself):
  • He spent a few minutes titivating in front of the mirror.
  • The performers were titivating themselves backstage.

Advanced Usage

• "to titivate something up": An informal phrasal verb form with the same meaning.
  • Let's titivate the garden up a bit for the party.

Variants and Related Words

• Titivation (noun): The act or process of titivating.
  • A quick titivation was all the room needed.

Synonyms

• Spruce up: To make neat and smart in appearance.
• Groom: To make neat or tidy, especially oneself.
• Preen: To make oneself tidy, often used for birds or people with a sense of self-satisfaction.
• Prink: To dress or adorn oneself carefully.

Antonyms

• Dishevel: To make untidy.
• Mess up: To make something disordered.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "To give something a titivate": To perform a quick act of tidying or adorning.
  • The shopfront just needed a quick titivate to attract customers.

Verb

1. make neat, smart, or trim
   • Spruce up your house for Spring
   • titivate the child