titivate
English
Etymology
Modification of earlier spelling tidivate, perhaps based on tidy + -vate, on the pattern of words like cultivate and renovate.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 333: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈtɪt.ɪ.veɪt/, /ˈtɪt.ə.veɪt/
Verb
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- To make small improvements or alterations to (one's appearance etc.); to add some finishing touches to.
- 1950, Mervyn Peake, Gormenghast
- Had she spent the best part of a day in titivating herself in order that she might sit plunged in darkness, with nothing but her feet and her nose revealed?
- 1950, Mervyn Peake, Gormenghast
Alternative forms
Derived terms
Translations
to make small improvements to
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