ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pert

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈpɝt// UK //pˈɜːt// pert Archaic

adj. describing someone or something that looks attractive, lively, and firm. It is often used to describe a person's features, like a nose, or their confident attitude.

adj. characterised by a lively, confident, or jaunty manner; also used to describe small, firm, and attractive physical features. Often carries a connotation of being slightly bold or impudent in a playful way.


SIMPLE

She wore a pert little hat on her head.

CONTEXTUAL

The child gave a pert answer to the teacher's question, showing a confidence that bordered on being cheeky.

COMPLEX

The illustrator captured the character's spirited personality by giving her a pert nose and a constant, slightly defiant smirk that suggested she was never intimidated by authority.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used to describe physical features or a person's spirited, slightly bold manner.

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