Ugly vs. Pretty: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 9, 2023
"Ugly" refers to something unpleasing to the eye, while "pretty" denotes something that is aesthetically pleasing.
Difference Between Ugly and Pretty
"Ugly" is an adjective in the English language that describes something displeasing or offensive to the senses, especially in terms of visual appearance. It often conveys a negative sentiment about the aesthetic quality of an object, person, or situation. Thus, labeling something as "ugly" indicates it lacks attractiveness or beauty.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
On the other hand, "pretty" is an adjective that refers to something pleasing and delightful, especially concerning visual appeal. It's a word often associated with beauty, charm, and pleasantness. When something is described as "pretty," it suggests a level of attractiveness that evokes positive feelings and appreciation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
While both "ugly" and "pretty" primarily deal with aesthetic qualities, they sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. Whereas "ugly" emphasizes the lack of beauty or the presence of unfavorable attributes, "pretty" uplifts and celebrates pleasant qualities and attractiveness.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Language, being a reflection of culture and societal values, employs words like "ugly" and "pretty" beyond physical appearance. They can describe situations, outcomes, and even emotions. For instance, an unfavorable situation can be termed "ugly," while a delightful and uncomplicated scenario can be labeled "pretty."
Kaitlyn
Sep 09, 2023
Ugly vs. Pretty Comparison Chart
Typical Usage
Describes displeasing appearance
Describes delightful appearance
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Ugly vs. Pretty Definitions
◉Ugly
Morally reprehensible or despicable.
His actions revealed an ugly side of his character.
William
Sep 09, 2023
◉Ugly
Unpleasant or likely to cause problems.
The weather took an ugly turn with the thunderstorm.
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
◉Pretty
Very bad; terrible
in a pretty predicament.
a situation that has reached a pretty pass.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
New England Unmanageable. Used of animals, especially cows or horses.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Ostensibly or superficially attractive but lacking substance or conviction
full of pretty phrases.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Likely to cause embarrassment or trouble
"Public opinion in both nations could take an ugly turn" (George R. Packard).
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Marked by or inclined to anger or bad feelings; disagreeable
an ugly temper.
an ugly scene.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Pleasant to the sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Offensive to one's sensibilities or morality.
He played an ugly trick on us.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
(Southern US) Ill-natured; crossgrained; quarrelsome.
an ugly temper; to feel ugly
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Unpleasant; disagreeable; likely to cause trouble or loss.
an ugly rumour; an ugly customer; an ugly wound
With all this competition, expect things to get ugly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
(dated) Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Any product whose size and shape prevents it from fitting neatly on a pallet.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Offensive to the sight; contrary to beauty; being of disagreeable or loathsome aspect; unsightly; repulsive; deformed.
The ugly view of his deformed crimes.
Like the toad, ugly and venomous.
O, I have passed a miserable night,So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Ill-natured; crossgrained; quarrelsome; as, an ugly temper; to feel ugly.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Something that is pretty.
We'll stop at the knife store and look at the sharp pretties.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Unpleasant; disagreeable; likely to cause trouble or loss; as, an ugly rumor; an ugly customer.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; attracting, but not striking or impressing; of a pleasing and attractive form a color; having slight or diminutive beauty; neat or elegant without elevation or grandeur; pleasingly, but not grandly, conceived or expressed; as, a pretty face; a pretty flower; a pretty poem.
This is the prettiest lowborn lass that everRan on the greensward.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
displeasing to the senses and morally revolting;
an ugly face
ugly furniture
war is ugly
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Affectedly nice; foppish; - used in an ill sense.
The pretty gentleman is the most complaisant in the world.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Mean; despicable; contemptible; - used ironically; as, a pretty trick; a pretty fellow.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace;
a surly waiter
an ugly frame of mind
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
Stout; strong and brave; intrepid; valiant.
[He] observed they were pretty men, meaning not handsome.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
morally reprehensible;
would do something as despicable as murder
ugly crimes
the vile development of slavery appalled them
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
In some degree; moderately; considerably; rather; almost; - less emphatic than very; as, I am pretty sure of the fact; pretty cold weather.
Pretty plainly professes himself a sincere Christian.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments;
a baleful look
forbidding thunderclouds
his tone became menacing
ominous rumblings of discontent
sinister storm clouds
a sinister smile
his threatening behavior
ugly black clouds
the situation became ugly
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing;
pretty girl
pretty song
pretty room
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
provoking horror;
an atrocious automobile accident
a frightful crime of decapitation
an alarming, even horrifying, picture
war is beyond all words horrible
an ugly wound
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May 03, 2023
◉Pretty
(used ironically) unexpectedly bad;
a pretty mess
a pretty kettle of fish
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May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Lacking beauty or aesthetic appeal.
The old building looked ugly after years of neglect.
Nolan
Sep 09, 2023
◉Pretty
used as an intensifier (`jolly' is used informally in Britain);
pretty big
pretty bad
jolly decent of him
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ugly
Provoking discomfort or aversion.
The dispute turned ugly when they began yelling.
Olivia
Sep 09, 2023
◉Pretty
Pleasing or attractive to the eye.
The garden looked pretty with colorful flowers.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Ugly vs. Pretty Frequently Asked Questions
Which word is a negative aesthetic judgment?
"Ugly" indicates a lack of beauty or appeal.
Leo
Sep 09, 2023
Can "ugly" describe situations or emotions?
Yes, "ugly" can refer to unpleasant situations or negative emotions.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Is "pretty" ever used to describe intensity?
Yes, it can mean "to a considerable degree," as in "pretty cold."
Olivia
Sep 09, 2023
How does "pretty" differ from "beautiful"?
While both indicate attractiveness, "pretty" might be seen as a softer or less intense form of beauty.
Leo
Sep 09, 2023
In what situations might "pretty" be used beyond appearance?
"Pretty" can describe scenarios, like "a pretty good job" or "a pretty situation."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
Do both "ugly" and "pretty" have synonyms?
Yes, "ugly" can be synonymous with "hideous," and "pretty" with "lovely."
Lucas
Sep 09, 2023
How is "ugly" primarily used?
"Ugly" describes something displeasing or unattractive.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
What does "pretty" often refer to?
"Pretty" denotes something visually pleasing or delightful.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
Can "ugly" describe character or behavior?
Yes, it can describe morally reprehensible actions or traits.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Can "pretty" and "ugly" be subjective terms?
Absolutely, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, making these terms subjective based on personal preferences.
Jonathan
Sep 09, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
