Cool MateAdequate vs Pretty decent
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Adequate
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Pretty decent
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Adequate
| Adequate | Pretty decent | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈædɪkwət//🇺🇸 //ˈædɪkwɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɪti ˈdiːsənt//🇺🇸 //ˈprɪti ˈdiːsənt// |
| Meaning | Good enough for what is needed. | Fairly good or acceptable. |
| Example | The food was adequate, but I expected something better. | The food at that restaurant was pretty decent. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | adequate resources, adequate solution, adequate response | pretty decent meal, pretty decent job, pretty decent price |
| Antonyms | inadequate, insufficient | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'sufficient' - 'adequate' implies minimum quality, while 'sufficient' means enough in quantity., Using 'adequate' too casually, as it is more formal., Mispronouncing it, especially in unstressed syllables. | Used in formal contexts where it's too casual., Confused with 'pretty good' - remember 'decent' implies acceptable but not great. |
| Usage notes | Use 'adequate' when something meets the necessary requirements, but is not exceptional. It's often used in formal contexts, like reports or evaluations. | Use 'pretty decent' in casual conversations to express that something meets expectations but isn't exceptional. Avoid in formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Adequate vs Pretty decent
What's the difference between Adequate and Pretty decent?
Adequate: Good enough for what is needed. Pretty decent: Fairly good or acceptable.
Which is more formal: Adequate and Pretty decent?
Adequate is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Adequate: The food was adequate, but I expected something better. Pretty decent: The food at that restaurant was pretty decent.
Can I use Adequate and Pretty decent interchangeably?
Not always. Adequate and Pretty decent are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.