Pretty vs. Beautiful: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 25, 2023
"Pretty" often refers to a delicate or cute type of attractiveness, while "beautiful" implies a more profound, pervasive, or awe-inspiring beauty.
Key Differences
"Pretty" is a term often used to describe something that is pleasing to the eye in a delicate or charming way, while "beautiful" tends to refer to something that is aesthetically pleasing in a more profound or universally striking manner.
When something is "pretty," it's usually seen as attractive in a light, endearing, or fun way; "beautiful," on the other hand, is a more powerful descriptor, often implying a sense of awe or deep admiration.
"Pretty" can also be used in a more casual, everyday context to describe things that are pleasing in appearance, whereas "beautiful" might be reserved for things that evoke a strong emotional response due to their aesthetic qualities.
People often use "pretty" to describe simple, yet pleasing qualities, while "beautiful" can also refer to inner beauty, encompassing more than just physical appearance.
While "pretty" might be used more for individuals or small items, "beautiful" can be applied to expansive, complex, or grand things, indicating a greater level of magnificence or depth in beauty.
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Comparison Chart
Depth of meaning
More surface-level, cute
Deeper, more profound
Usage
Light, casual contexts
Strong, emotional responses
Applicability
Often for individuals/small items
Can be applied to grand concepts
Inner beauty
Mostly physical attractiveness
Can encompass inner qualities
Intensity
Less intense
More intense, awe-inspiring
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Pretty and Beautiful Definitions
Pretty
"Pretty" refers to something visually delightful;
What a pretty dress you have!
Beautiful
"Beautiful" can refer to internal traits as well;
She has a beautiful soul.
Pretty
Pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way.
Beautiful
"Beautiful" is a strong compliment;
You look absolutely beautiful!
Pretty
Clever; adroit
A pretty maneuver.
Beautiful
"Beautiful" refers to something that is strikingly pleasing to the senses;
That is a beautiful piece of art.
Pretty
Very bad; terrible
In a pretty predicament.
A situation that has reached a pretty pass.
Beautiful
"Beautiful" suggests a profound level of beauty;
The view from the mountain is beautiful.
Pretty
Ostensibly or superficially attractive but lacking substance or conviction
Full of pretty phrases.
Beautiful
Having qualities that delight or appeal to the senses and often the mind.
Pretty
(Informal) Considerable in size or extent
A pretty fortune.
Beautiful
Excellent; wonderful
Hit a beautiful shot from the tee.
Pretty
To a fair degree; moderately
A pretty good student.
Beautiful
Used to express approval or delight.
Pretty
In a pretty manner; prettily or pleasingly.
Beautiful
Attractive and possessing beauty.
Anyone who has ever met her thought she was absolutely beautiful.
There's a beautiful lake by the town.
Pretty
One that is pretty.
Beautiful
Good, admirable.
He was a beautiful person; he would drop everything to help you.
You've done a beautiful thing today.
Pretty
Pretties Delicate clothing, especially lingerie.
Beautiful
(of the weather) Pleasant; clear.
It's beautiful outside, let's go for a walk.
Pretty
To make pretty
Pretty up the house.
Beautiful
Well executed.
The skater performed a beautiful axel.
Pretty
Pleasant to the sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.
Beautiful
Someone who is beautiful. Can be used as a term of address.
The man was faithful to his wife, ignoring the many blonde beautifuls who surrounded him wherever he went.
Hey, beautiful!
Pretty
Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.
Beautiful
Having the qualities which constitute beauty; pleasing to the sight or the mind.
A circle is more beautiful than a square; a square is more beautiful than a parallelogram.
Pretty
Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.
Beautiful
Delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration;
A beautiful child
Beautiful country
A beautiful painting
A beautiful theory
A beautiful party
Pretty
Cunning; clever, skilful.
Beautiful
Aesthetically pleasing
Pretty
(dated) Moderately large; considerable.
Beautiful
(of weather) highly enjoyable;
What a beautiful day
Pretty
(dated) Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).
Beautiful
"Beautiful" can describe something that moves you emotionally;
It was a beautiful ceremony.
Pretty
(ironic) Awkward, unpleasant.
Pretty
Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very.
Pretty
(dialect) Prettily, in a pretty manner.
Pretty
A pretty person; a term of address to a pretty person.
Pretty
Something that is pretty.
We'll stop at the knife store and look at the sharp pretties.
Pretty
To make pretty; to beautify
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; attracting, but not striking or impressing; of a pleasing and attractive form a color; having slight or diminutive beauty; neat or elegant without elevation or grandeur; pleasingly, but not grandly, conceived or expressed; as, a pretty face; a pretty flower; a pretty poem.
This is the prettiest lowborn lass that everRan on the greensward.
Pretty
Moderately large; considerable; as, he had saved a pretty fortune.
Pretty
Affectedly nice; foppish; - used in an ill sense.
The pretty gentleman is the most complaisant in the world.
Pretty
Mean; despicable; contemptible; - used ironically; as, a pretty trick; a pretty fellow.
Pretty
Stout; strong and brave; intrepid; valiant.
[He] observed they were pretty men, meaning not handsome.
Pretty
In some degree; moderately; considerably; rather; almost; - less emphatic than very; as, I am pretty sure of the fact; pretty cold weather.
Pretty plainly professes himself a sincere Christian.
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing;
Pretty girl
Pretty song
Pretty room
Pretty
(used ironically) unexpectedly bad;
A pretty mess
A pretty kettle of fish
Pretty
Used as an intensifier (`jolly' is used informally in Britain);
Pretty big
Pretty bad
Jolly decent of him
Pretty
"Pretty" suggests a sweet or endearing attractiveness;
The kitten's pretty antics made us smile.
Pretty
"Pretty" is a mild compliment on appearance;
You did a pretty job with the decorations.
Pretty
"Pretty" often describes a cute, delicate beauty;
Those are some pretty cupcakes.
Pretty
"Pretty" is used for non-intense praise;
You look pretty today.
FAQs
Are "pretty" and "beautiful" interchangeable?
They can be, but "beautiful" often has a deeper, more intense connotation.
Can "beautiful" describe experiences?
Yes, experiences that evoke strong, positive emotions can be called "beautiful."
Can objects be "pretty"?
Yes, objects like clothes, decorations, or nature can be described as "pretty."
Is "beautiful" only for physical appearance?
No, it can also refer to emotional, moral, or intellectual qualities.
Can "beautiful" describe abstract concepts?
Yes, concepts like love, kindness, or moments can be described as "beautiful."
Can "pretty" refer to personality?
It's usually used for external appearances, but it can refer to personality traits that are charming or pleasing.
Can landscapes be "pretty"?
Yes, though grand or awe-inspiring landscapes are often described as "beautiful" instead.
Can men be "pretty"?
Yes, though it's less common than using it for women.
Can music be "beautiful"?
Yes, if it evokes deep emotional responses or is considered aesthetically pleasing.
Is "pretty" less impactful than "beautiful"?
It can be seen as a lighter compliment compared to the more intense "beautiful."
Does "beautiful" imply rarity?
It can, as it denotes something strikingly out of the ordinary in beauty.
Can "beautiful" have cultural variances?
Yes, perceptions of beauty can vary greatly across different cultures.
Is calling someone "pretty" superficial?
Not necessarily, but it does primarily refer to physical appearance.
Is "pretty" informal?
It's more casual and can be used in informal conversation.
Is "beautiful" always positive?
Typically, yes, as it denotes a high degree of attractiveness or positivity.
Can "pretty" be used sarcastically?
Like many adjectives, it can be used sarcastically in context.
Can "beautiful" change with time?
Yes, perceptions of what is "beautiful" can evolve with cultural shifts and personal experiences.
Does "beautiful" relate to art?
Often, as art aims to evoke emotional responses, which "beautiful" describes.
Can "pretty" describe feelings?
It's less common but possible in poetic or creative expression.
Is "pretty" gender-specific?
It's often used for women and girls, but it can be used for anyone or anything with delicate beauty.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
