pretty

When used as an adjective, this word suggests a light, pleasant beauty rather than an overwhelming or majestic one. It often carries a connotation of sweetness or daintiness, making it more suitable for describing a child, a flower, or a small cottage than a rugged mountain range or a powerful athlete.

As an adverb, it functions as a hedge, softening the intensity of the following adjective. While it is common in spoken English, it is generally avoided in formal academic writing in favor of terms like quite or moderately.