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tidy
/ˈtaɪdi/
neat and in order
She keeps her room tidy.
Her room is always clean and well-organized.
neutral
Neat and arranged in an orderly way.
The office was tidy and well-maintained.
The workspace was clean and everything was in its proper place.
He gave a tidy account of his expenses.
He presented his expenses in a clear and organized manner.
Often describes spaces, arrangements, or records that are orderly and free from clutter.
neutral
To make something neat or orderly.
I need to tidy my desk before the meeting.
I must organize my desk to prepare for the meeting.
Commonly used as a phrasal verb with 'up' (tidy up).
informal
(British informal) A considerable amount of money.
She won a tidy sum in the competition.
She earned a substantial amount of money from the competition.
Used primarily in British English to describe a large sum.
Pro Tip
Common mistake: 'tidy' vs. 'neat'
'Tidy' emphasizes order and lack of clutter, while 'neat' can also imply tidiness but may suggest attractiveness or precision. 'A tidy room' focuses on organization, whereas 'a neat room' might also imply it looks pleasant.
Gold Rule
Use 'tidy' for physical spaces and abstract arrangements
Apply 'tidy' to describe rooms, desks, records, or accounts that are orderly. Avoid using it for people (e.g., 'She is tidy' is acceptable but less common than 'She is neat').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'tidie' (in order), from Old English 'tīdian' (to happen, to prosper), related to 'tīd' (time). The sense of 'neat' emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Used to describe physical spaces, records, or abstract arrangements. As a verb, it often implies a small-scale action (e.g., tidying a desk) rather than a large one (e.g., cleaning a house).
English Dictionary