Pretty is used to tone down a statement and is in wide use across the whole spectrum of English. It is common in informal speech and writing but is neither rare nor wrong in serious discourse.
PRETTY definition: pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness. See examples of pretty used in a sentence.
PRETTY definition: 1. quite, but not extremely: 2. almost: 3. pleasant to look at, or (especially of girls or women…. Learn more.
Define pretty. pretty synonyms, pretty pronunciation, pretty translation, English dictionary definition of pretty. adj. pret ti er , pret ti est 1. Pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way. See Synonyms at beautiful. 2. Clever; adroit: a pretty maneuver.
Use the word pretty to describe something with a delicate and pleasant appearance. Something that’s pretty is less powerful and intimidating than something that’s beautiful, the way a pretty floral raincoat is less intimidating than a beautiful film star.
pretty (comparative prettier, superlative prettiest) Having brought it to a close, he took his way to the Kursaal. The great German watering-place is one of the prettiest nooks in Europe, and of a summer evening in the gaming days, five-and-twenty years ago, it was one of the most brilliant scenes. The face which emerged was not reassuring. […].
Something that is pretty. "We'll stop at the knife store a look at the sharp pretties. Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very. Cunning; clever, skilful. Pleasant in sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children. Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.
Moderately; reasonably; tolerably: expressing a degree less than very: as, a farm pretty well stocked; pretty good lodgings; I am pretty sure of the fact. from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.