prettify

[prit-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object), pret·ti·fied, pret·ti·fy·ing.

to make pretty, especially in a small, petty way: to prettify a natural beauty.

to minimize or gloss over (something unpleasant): to prettify his rude behavior.

Origin of prettify

First recorded in 1840–50; prett(y) + -ify

Related formspret·ti·fi·ca·tion, nounpret·ti·fi·er, nounun·pret·ti·fied, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for prettification

prettify

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

(tr) to make pretty, esp in a trivial fashion; embellish

Derived Formsprettification, nounprettifier, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for prettification

1902, noun of action from prettify.

prettify

1836, from pretty (adj.) + -fy. Related: Prettified; prettifying.