B2adjective 1K

Neat

UK /["/niːt/"]/ US /["/niːt/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

tidy and in order; carefully done or arranged

Listen to definition

In simple words: Clean and organized.

Examples

• Her handwriting is really neat and easy to read.
• He organized his desk in a neat way, which impressed his boss.
• That's a neat idea for the project presentation!
• I prefer my drinks neat, without any ice.
• The artist has a neat style that makes her paintings unique.

Usage notes

Use 'neat' to describe something well-arranged or tidy. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but in very formal writing, 'tidy' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'neat freak' who loves everything in order.

Collocations

• appear
• be
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• neat and tidy

Synonyms

• trim

Antonyms

• messy
• chaotic
• disorganized

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'nate' which is a name.
• Overused in casual conversations without proper context.
• Used incorrectly as a verb.