ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nifty

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnɪfti// UK //nˈɪfti// nifty Archaic Informal

adj. clever, useful, or well-designed. You use this to describe a small tool or a smart idea that solves a problem easily.

adj. skilfully or effectively designed; clever and convenient in operation. Often used to describe small gadgets, technical solutions, or physical movements.


SIMPLE

That is a nifty little tool for opening jars.

CONTEXTUAL

She found a nifty way to organize her digital photos using a simple tagging system.

COMPLEX

The software includes several nifty features that automate the most tedious parts of the data entry process, saving the team hours of manual labor every week.

Synonyms
Origin

From *nift + -y. First element is of unknown origin. Possibly theatrical slang, as a shortened, altered form of Magnificat. Alternatively, perhaps a special use of US regional niffed (“put off, peeved”).

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; informal in register.

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