titivate
/'titiveit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- make neat, smart, or trim
- Spruce up your house for Spring
- titivate the child