fetching

IPA/ˈfetʃɪŋ/
KK[fˈɛtʃɪŋ]IPA/ˈfetʃɪŋ/

fetching — adjective

  • fetchingpositive
  • more fetchingcomparative
  • most fetchingsuperlative

1. used for someone or for clothes that look especially attractive and easy to noti

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

used for someone or for clothes that look especially attractive and easy to notice.

Example

Shirin looked fetching in a green coat at the winter market.

linking verb: look fetching

The shop window displayed a fetching silk dress beside plain uniforms.

common noun collocation: fetching dress

Common collocations
  • fetching dress
  • fetching smile
  • fetching hat
  • fetching outfit
  • look fetching
Synonyms
  • attractive

    is broader and works for looks, ideas, offers, and many other things.

  • charming

    adds warmth and personal appeal, not just good looks.

  • striking

    suggests a stronger visual effect that stands out immediately.

Antonyms
  • plain

    suggests a simple look that does not stand out.

  • unattractive

    is the direct opposite for appearance that does not please people.

  • drab

    focuses on a dull look with little colour or life.

Grammar Patterns

look fetching

a fetching dress

a fetching smile

Usage Note

Mostly used for a person's appearance or for clothes, often with a slightly old-fashioned tone. It commonly appears after look or be, or before nouns such as dress, hat, smile, and skirt.

Common Mistakes

The new timetable is fetching.
The new timetable is appealing.
'fetching' is mainly used for looks and clothing, not for plans or ideas.
He felt fetching after the haircut.
He looked fetching after the haircut.
'fetching' describes how someone appears, not an inner feeling.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Fetching' is a slightly old-fashioned word for a person or piece of clothing that looks especially pleasing and catches the eye. 'Attractive' is broader and more neutral, so it works for appearance, ideas, offers, and qualities. 'Charming' adds warmth and personal delight, while 'striking' suggests a stronger and more dramatic visual effect. 'Lovely' is warmer and more general, and it does not always suggest a stylish or eye-catching look. A hat can be fetching, a plan can be attractive, a host can be charming, and a building can be striking.

fetching ↗attractive ↗charming ↗striking ↗lovely ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • fetching dress
  • fetching smile
  • fetching outfit

Phrases

  • look fetching
  • seem fetching

Etymology

English

Built in English from the verb 'fetch' and the ending '-ing'. In older use, 'fetch' could suggest drawing in or catching interest, and 'fetching' developed into an adjective for someone or something whose appearance attracts notice.

First known use

1880

1880, in the meaning defined above