Pretty
We can use pretty as an adverb, before an adjective or another adverb, meaning ‘quite, but not extremely’. It is informal: I’m pretty sure we’ve met before. Were you at Clare Harding’s wedding?
You need to get there pretty early to get a good seat.
Pretty well as a modifier means ‘almost’: That’s pretty well all we need to do this morning, so why don’t we break for lunch?
Warning:
We don’t use pretty in more formal situations. We use quite or fairly: [in a job application letter] At present I am employed at a branch of the National Bank in a fairly large city.
Not: … in a pretty large city.
Pretty does not mean the same as very: It was very kind of you to lend us your car when we stayed with you.
Not: It was pretty kind of you …
We don’t use pretty in negative sentences: The restaurant wasn’t very good, really. I don’t think we’ll go there again. (or The restaurant wasn’tsogood …)
Not: … wasn’t pretty good …
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