Beautiful/pretty
Hello,
What is the difference between "beautiful" and "pretty"? Which one is prefered to use for:
1. A little girl
2. A teen girl
3. A young woman
4. An old woman
5. A beautiful thing (not a human)
Thanks.
Top answer
Generally speaking, "pretty" is lighter and more superficial, and "beautiful" is deeper. By that token, there may be a tendency to use "pretty" about young girls, and "beautiful" about more mature women. However, there is nothing to prohibit you from using either word for anyone of any age, if you feel it is appropriate (though it would be a bit unusual to call a very old woman "pretty").
- Generally speaking, "pretty" is lighter and more superficial, and "beautiful" is deeper.
- By that token, there may be a tendency to use "pretty" about young girls, and "beautiful" about more mature women.
- However, there is nothing to prohibit you from using either word for anyone of any age, if you feel it is appropriate (though it would be a bit unusual to call a very old woman "pretty").
- Either word can be used for inanimate objects.
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Generally speaking, "pretty" is lighter and more superficial, and "beautiful" is deeper. By that token, there may be a tendency to use "pretty" about young girls, and "beautiful" about more mature women. However, there is nothing to prohibit you from using either word for anyone of any age, if you feel it is appropriate (though it would be a bit unusual to call a very old woman "pretty").
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