neat
neat — adjective
1. clean and carefully arranged, so that every object is exactly where it should be
clean and carefully arranged, so that every object is exactly where it should be.
Rin was proud of her neat desk, with each pencil in its own holder.
neat + noun describing a tidy space
The old library kept its books in neat rows along the wall.
neat + noun (rows, piles, stacks)
Anna's bedroom was always neat because she put things away right after using them.
A neat pile of clean towels sat on the chair next to the bath.
Lisa wrote in such neat handwriting that the teacher could read every answer easily.
文法句型
be + neat
neat + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe physical spaces (rooms, desks, shelves) and the way things are arranged (rows, piles, stacks). Not used for people in this sense — see sense 2.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe a person who likes to keep themselves and their surroundings cl
used to describe a person who likes to keep themselves and their surroundings clean and well organized.
Gabriel was a neat child who always hung his coat on the hook.
neat + person noun describing a habit
The hotel manager is very neat and expects the staff to follow her example.
Asher is so neat that he sorts his books by colour on the shelf.
A naturally neat person, Aylin could not relax in a messy room.
Nora was a neat student, so the teacher often asked her to sort the supplies.
- tidy
can also describe people in British English ('a tidy person')
- well-organised
broader — can describe how someone manages time or tasks, not just physical space
- messy
common for describing a person's habits
- disorganised
focuses on lack of system rather than cleanliness
文法句型
be + neat
neat + person / child / student
用法筆記
Used only of people, not of objects or spaces. Distinguish from sense 1: a room can be neat (sense 1), but a person CAN be a neat person (sense 2). Frequently used in attributive position: a neat person, a neat child.
常見錯誤
3. informal way of saying that something is very good, enjoyable, or pleasant; used
informal way of saying that something is very good, enjoyable, or pleasant; used to express approval or enthusiasm.
The film we saw last night was really neat — you should watch it too.
informal register: 'really neat' for expressing approval
Maeve said the hiking trail was neat, with waterfalls and wildflowers along the way.
Justin's band played a neat set of songs that had everyone dancing by the end.
There is a neat little bookshop around the corner with cheap used novels.
Diya thought the garden was so neat that she visited it every afternoon.
- terrible
direct opposite in informal contexts
文法句型
be + neat
neat + noun
用法筆記
Informal in this sense — very common in American English conversation but not used in formal or academic writing. 'really neat' and 'so neat' are frequent intensifier patterns. Not used in British English with this meaning.
常見錯誤
4. cleverly simple and effective; used to describe a way of doing something that sh
cleverly simple and effective; used to describe a way of doing something that shows skill or intelligence while being easy to understand or carry out.
Emma came up with a neat way to save her files automatically every few minutes.
neat + way / method / approach for describing a clever method
The engineer showed a neat design that used fewer parts but worked just as well.
Rachid found a neat trick for opening jars by running hot water over the lid.
This camera has a neat feature for editing photos without a computer.
Sumin's neat solution to the scheduling problem saved the whole team hours of planning.
- clumsy
describes a solution or method that is awkward or inefficient
- complicated
the opposite of simple and effective
文法句型
be + neat
neat + noun (way / solution / trick / idea)
用法筆記
Describes methods, designs, tools, or ideas — not people. While someone can be called a 'neat person' (see sense 2), you would not say 'He is neat' to mean 'he is clever'. The cleverness must be in the approach or device, not the person.
常見錯誤
5. describing a spirit served in its pure form, with no water, ice, or other liquid
describing a spirit served in its pure form, with no water, ice, or other liquid added.
The bartender asked if I wanted the whiskey neat or on the rocks.
drink + neat vs 'on the rocks' (with ice)
Rania prefers her rum neat because she says water ruins the flavour.
In some bars, ordering a neat bourbon means a full glass with no ice.
Dad smiled when the waiter brought his Scotch neat in a small glass.
A neat glass of single malt is served at room temperature to show its aroma.
- straight
almost identical; 'straight' may also include drinks served at room temperature without chilling, while 'neat' specifically means no added liquid or ice
- on the rocks
served over ice
- mixed
combined with another drink or mixer, such as a cocktail
文法句型
be + neat
drink something neat
neat + noun (whiskey / rum)
用法筆記
Used only for strong alcoholic drinks (whiskey, bourbon, rum, Scotch, brandy). Does not apply to wine, beer, or soft drinks. Contrast with 'on the rocks' (served with ice) and 'with a splash' (with a small amount of water or mixer).