Does pretty add or lessen the meaning of a word?

Question

So my so thinks the word "pretty" adds I don't think so. An example is if someone asked how are you? And you said "pretty good." It's not as good as it could be but it's pretty good.

Or if someone asked how was the macaroni? I would say, pretty good. If it was okay. Or surprisingly okay. But still not like the greatest thing I've eaten.

What do you guys think? And give me good examples so I can show him what it really means!! I think it lessens the meaning of the word after it.

And if you think add please explain why? I don't get how it could add meaning to a word.

Answer

It sort of depends on how you emphasize 'pretty'.

Answer

I think it lessens it.

"I had a pretty good time" 
"He was pretty nice"
"That was pretty bad"

If you said any of them without the pretty it would sound a lot more definite.

Answer

I think it expresses a mild surprise when you aren't expecting much. So it doesn't add or subtract from the word, it just shows that it was more or less than your expectations were prepared for.

"It was pretty good." = "It looks weird' but tastes good."

"He was pretty nice."  = "He dresses like a douchebag, but he's actually gentlemanly."

"It was pretty small." = "His feet were big, but only his socks reflected that. Seriously."

Answer

It depends on the word and context.

Eg. "How are you?"
"Pretty shit"
 
"How was your holiday?"
"Pretty amazing!!"

Answer

Sometimes I wish we still talked as if we were in the 1800s. People described things so vividly and the language was beautiful! This post made me think of it. 😊

Answer

I think it's pretty good 💁🏽

Answer

Pretty and really dont enhance the meaning of a word.  If something is really good, say it is phenomenal. Use language, not empty fillers.

Answer

I think it more so depends on the content of the subject.

Does pretty add or lessen the meaning of a word?

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