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tidy

tidy

14 3.7
A fairly large amount, often of money
  • adjective
  • /ˈtaɪdi/
: considerable
  • There is often a tidy profit in speculation.
  • a tidy sum

Examples

  • $2 million is a tidy sum.

  • Now he made a tidy living helping big clients conduct new agency searches.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Must be worth a tidy little sum, too.

  • Did she make a tidy profit?

  • We started this place strictly as a cover, but Professor Joe manages to turn a tidy profit.

  • You could make a tidy sum and get a cozy place on the beach.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • And for me that's a tidy sum of money.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Last week this time, $1.6 million had seemed a tidy sum, especially when added to his million-dollar inventory.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I'm earning a tidy sum for your board and lodging.

  • $2 million is a tidy sum that can transform a small business.

Synonyms

considerable
vstidy
305 4.6

Large in size or amount

is milder, referring to a fairly large amount rather than a very large one
good
vstidy
293 3.2

A fairly large amount or distance

is gentler, used for a fairly large amount rather than strong thoroughness
sizable
vstidy
  • US
64 3.7

Quite large in size or amount

applies mainly to amounts rather than to size or degree
healthy
vstidy
56 2.3

A large amount or number

means a somewhat smaller, fairly large amount rather than a very large one
hefty
vstidy
45 4.1

Being large in amount and often expensive

is milder and points to a fairly large amount rather than extreme size
respectable
vstidy
24 3.7

Fairly large in amount or of good quality

is a clearer statement of a fairly large amount rather than a mild one
goodly
vstidy
12 9.4

Large in amount or size

is narrower, meaning a fairly large amount rather than a notably large one
goodish
vstidy
1 5.0

A bit more than average in size, amount, or quality

focuses only on amounts being fairly large rather than also on quality

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

Not large in size or amount

104 4.1

Not important or too small to matter

Compounds

Clean and well organized with no mess

tidy sum
  • Informal
3 3.7

A fairly large amount of money that is nice to get

Clothes and hair that are neat and clean

9.9

A wildflower in California that lives for one year and has yellow flowers with white tips

How Large

huge
∞ 1.0
considerable
305 4.6
tidy
14 3.7
modest
192 3.3
small
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

tidy positive
tidier comparative
tidiest superlative

Etymology

Tidy also developed the meaning 'fairly large' in phrases like 'a tidy sum', using the same root tidig. A helpful way to remember this is to think of 'tidy' as 'plenty' or 'enough', so a 'tidy' amount is a noticeable, comfortable amount.