neater
|neat-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈniːtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈniːtə/
(neat)
tidy and orderly
Etymology
'neat' (base of 'neater') originates from Middle English 'net' (also spelled 'nete'), where the word meant 'clean' or 'tidy'.
'neat' developed from Middle English 'net' and later took the modern spelling 'neat' in Early Modern English; comparative and other forms (like 'neater') follow regular adjective formation.
Initially it meant 'clean' or 'well-groomed'; over time it retained that sense and also developed extended senses such as 'clever' or 'elegant' (especially in phrases like 'a neat solution').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or thing that makes something neat; one who neatens (rare).
The office hired two neaters to prepare the conference room.
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Adjective 1
comparative of 'neat': more tidy or orderly.
Her desk is neater than mine after she cleaned it.
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Adjective 2
more simple, clever, or elegant in solution or design (e.g., a neater solution).
We found a neater way to solve the problem that uses less code.
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Last updated: 2025/10/12 05:42