fancy
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to want something or feel like doing something.
v.to have a wish or desire for something. Often used in the interrogative to make offers.
Simple“Do you fancy a cup of tea before we head out?”
In context“I didn't really fancy going to the cinema, so we decided to stay in and order pizza instead.”
UsageCommonly followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form).
PitfallDo you fancy to go for a walk? Do you fancy going for a walk?When followed by another verb, 'fancy' requires the -ing form, not the infinitive.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to be romantically or sexually attracted to someone.
v.to feel a romantic or sexual attraction toward someone.
Simple“He has fancied her since they first met in university.”
In context“It was obvious to everyone at the party that Mark fancied Sarah, though he was too shy to speak to her.”
Synonymslikecrush on - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to imagine something or believe something is true without being sure.
v.to believe or imagine something to be the case, often without certain proof.
Simple“I fancy I heard a noise downstairs, but it was just the wind.”
In context“She fancied herself a talented artist, though she had never actually sold a single painting.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
adj.having a lot of decoration or being complicated in a stylish way.
adj.elaborate in structure or decoration; not plain.
Simple“They went to a fancy restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.”
In context“The invitation was printed on fancy cardstock with gold embossed lettering around the edges.”
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
adj.expensive and of a high social class.
adj.of a superior grade or intended to impress; often implies a high price point.
Simple“She bought some fancy chocolates as a gift for her host.”
In context“The hotel lobby was filled with fancy furniture that looked far too expensive to actually sit on.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.a sudden feeling that you want something or like something.
n.a superficial or capricious inclination; a whim.
Simple“The design of the garden was based entirely on the owner's fancy.”
In context“He had a sudden fancy to move to the coast, despite having lived in the city his entire life.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'take a fancy to'.
Synonyms - 07 C2 Proficiency
n.the power of your mind to create ideas or pictures.
n.the faculty of imagination, especially when light or playful.
Simple“The story was a pure flight of fancy with no basis in fact.”
In context“The poet's rich fancy populated the woods with all manner of mythical creatures and spirits.”
SynonymsAntonyms