pert

IPA/pɜːt/
KK[pˈɚt]IPA/pɜːrt/

pert — adjective

  • pertpositive
  • pertercomparative
  • pertestsuperlative

1. small, firm, and attractively shaped when describing a body part.

1.形容詞C2
釋義

small, firm, and attractively shaped when describing a body part.

例句

The illustrator gave the fox a pert nose and bright eyes.

pattern: pert + body-part noun

In the portrait, Jin had a pert chin and soft curls.

often used for facial features

同義詞
  • trim

    suggests neat shape, but it is broader and less appearance-focused

  • dainty

    emphasizes delicacy more than firmness

  • neat

    simpler and more general, without the old-fashioned tone

反義詞
  • puffy

    suggests a swollen or less well-defined shape

  • heavy

    describes a larger or less delicate look

文法句型

pert + noun

用法筆記

Usually appears before a noun such as 'nose', 'chin', or 'mouth'. It is an old-fashioned appearance word and often sounds dated when used about a person's body.

常見錯誤

❌The sofa looked pert after the repair.
✅The actress had a pert little nose in the poster.
💡This sense is mainly used for body features, not ordinary objects.

2. showing a cheeky lack of respect that can seem amusing rather than seriously off

2.形容詞C2
釋義

showing a cheeky lack of respect that can seem amusing rather than seriously offensive.

例句

Nala gave the head teacher a pert smile instead of an apology.

common collocation: pert smile

Lakshmi made a pert remark about the boss's new sports car.

pert + remark for mildly disrespectful speech

同義詞
  • cheeky

    the closest everyday word, usually with a playful tone

  • saucy

    similarly bold, often a little old-fashioned

  • impudent

    stronger and more clearly disapproving

反義詞
  • respectful

    showing proper politeness and regard

  • polite

    neutral everyday opposite for manner or speech

文法句型

pert + noun

sound pert

用法筆記

Often describes a smile, tone, reply, or young person's manner. It suggests light disrespect that may be irritating but can also sound amused; for openly hostile behavior, 'rude' is stronger.

常見錯誤

❌The customer was pert and shouted for ten minutes.
✅The customer was rude and shouted for ten minutes.
💡'Pert' suggests light, almost playful disrespect, not openly aggressive behavior.