neaten

/ˈniːtn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈniːtn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnē-tᵊn/ (ame, mw)

neaten — verb

  • neatenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • neatenshe / she / it
  • neatenedpast simple
  • neatening-ing form

1. to make a place, group of things, or someone's appearance look tidier by putting

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a place, group of things, or someone's appearance look tidier by putting parts into a neater order

例句

Dahlia stayed late to neaten the art table before parents arrived.

neaten + table / area before visitors arrive

Tendai used both hands to neaten the stack of forms.

neaten + stack of papers

同義詞
  • tidy

    the most common everyday verb for putting things back in order

  • arrange

    broader and more neutral; can also mean planning or placing things in a chosen order

  • straighten

    focuses on making something straight or lined up rather than generally tidier

反義詞
  • mess up

    to leave a place or group of things untidy

  • clutter

    to fill a space with too many things so it looks untidy

文法句型

neaten + room / desk / display

neaten + hair / clothes / appearance

用法筆記

Usually suggests a light improving action rather than a full clean. It often appears with objects that already look acceptable but need a quicker, neater arrangement.

常見錯誤

❌She neatened the floor after the juice spilled.
✅She cleaned the floor after the juice spilled.
💡'neaten' is about making things look orderly, not removing dirt or liquid.
❌He neatened the rope by pulling it straight.
✅He straightened the rope by pulling it straight.
💡use 'straighten' when the main idea is removing a bend, not making something tidier.