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NEAT
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Free from clumsiness; precisely or deftly executed
Example:
the neat exactness of the surgeon's knife
Synonyms:
clean; neat
Classified under:
Similar:
adroit (quick or skillful or adept in action or thought)
Sense 2
Meaning:
(of an alcoholic drink) without water
Example:
took his whiskey neat
Synonyms:
full-strength; neat; straight
Classified under:
Similar:
undiluted (not diluted)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Very good
Example:
we had a grand old time
Synonyms:
bang-up; bully; corking; cracking; dandy; great; groovy; keen; neat; nifty; not bad; old; peachy; slap-up; smashing; swell
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
good (having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified)
Domain usage:
colloquialism (a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Superficially impressive, but lacking depth and attention to the true complexities of a subject
Example:
a slick advertising campaign
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
superficial (concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Clean or organized
Example:
a neat room
Synonyms:
neat; orderly
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
tidy (marked by order and cleanliness in appearance or habits)
Derivation:
neatness (the trait of being neat and orderly)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Showing care in execution
Example:
neat handwriting
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
tidy (marked by order and cleanliness in appearance or habits)
Derivation:
neatness (the trait of being neat and orderly)
Context examples:
Look at the neat little ‘Hosmer Angel’ at the bottom.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
He looked at the workmanship; there was not one false stitch in the whole job; all was so neat and true, that it was quite a masterpiece.
(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)
There were neat fences at the sides of the road, painted a dainty blue color, and beyond them were fields of grain and vegetables in abundance.
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
He took a neat little leather case out of a drawer, and opening it he exhibited a number of shining instruments.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I have stood many a time and thought what a neat little homestead it would make.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I was sure she would ride well,” said Julia; “she has the make for it. Her figure is as neat as her brother's.”
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
A small green court was the whole of its demesne in front; and a neat wicket gate admitted them into it.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
The sign was newly painted; the windows had neat red curtains; the floor was cleanly sanded.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
He is exceedingly neat and prim in his ways, dresses always with great care in white drill suits and high brown mosquito-boots, and shaves at least once a day.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I have known a good deal of the profession; and besides their liberality, they are so neat and careful in all their ways!
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
