tidy
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
Neat, clean, and well-organized.
Used to describe something orderly or substantial in amount (informal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Tidy" describes a state of neatness and order, often implying a pleasing, systematic arrangement. It can extend metaphorically to mean 'substantial' or 'considerable' in informal British English (e.g., a tidy sum). It often implies active effort or maintenance of order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb form 'tidy up' is slightly more common in UK English. The informal adjectival meaning 'substantial' (a tidy profit) is primarily British. The noun 'tidies' (as in 'kitchen tidies') is occasionally used in UK English for small organizing containers.
Connotations
In both varieties, it has positive connotations of orderliness and care. In UK English, it can carry a stronger sense of modest, homely neatness.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, particularly in spoken domestic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] tidy up[NP] tidy [NP] (up)[NP] be tidyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tidy sum (of money)”
- “neat and tidy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'The project finished with a tidy profit.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in descriptions (e.g., 'tidy data' in statistics).
Everyday
Very common: 'Can you tidy your room?' 'She keeps a very tidy garden.'
Technical
In computing: 'tidy code' (well-formatted, readable code).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll just tidy the kitchen before we go.
- The children were told to tidy away their games.
American English
- I need to tidy up the garage this weekend.
- She quickly tidied her desk before the meeting.
adverb
British English
- The books were arranged tidy on the shelf. (informal/dialectal)
American English
- (Rarely used as adverb; 'neatly' is preferred.)
adjective
British English
- His handwriting is remarkably tidy.
- They made a tidy amount on the sale of their flat.
American English
- Please keep your work area tidy.
- He inherited a tidy sum from his uncle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Your room is very tidy.
- Tidy up your toys, please.
- She likes to keep her notes tidy and organized.
- I spent the morning tidying the garden shed.
- The report was a tidy summary of a complex issue.
- He managed to secure a tidy profit from the investment.
- The concept, while elegant, doesn't always yield tidy real-world solutions.
- Her tidy rebuttal left no room for further argument.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TIE being neatly arranged on a rack - a TIDY tie rack.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER IS CLEANLINESS / MORALITY IS CLEANLINESS (e.g., 'tidy mind', 'tidy habits').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'tiny' (очень маленький). 'Tidy' is about order, not size. The Russian adjective 'аккуратный' is a close match for the core meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tidy' as a direct synonym for 'clean' (it implies order more than absence of dirt). Overusing the verb without 'up' (UK: 'tidy the toys', US: more common 'tidy up the toys').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these uses of 'tidy' is most characteristic of informal British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can describe abstract things like thoughts, solutions, or financial sums (e.g., a tidy mind, a tidy profit).
'Clean' refers to freedom from dirt. 'Tidy' refers to order and organization. A room can be clean but messy (untidy), or tidy but dusty (not clean).
Yes, but usage varies. 'Tidy' alone is more common in UK English ('tidy your room'). In US English, 'tidy up' is often preferred.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'orderly', 'neat', or 'well-organized' might be preferred.