L&T question: "Pretty"

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L&T question: "Pretty" Written by Delories (3/31/2008 2:23 a.m.)

Both Harriet and DOMW use "pretty" to describe non-human things: the former the Martins' cows, the latter a servant's manners and way of speaking. In both cases, approval is being expressed, but not necessarily appearance -- although DOMW does call Mr Elton "pretty", as well.

It strikes me that the word "pretty" had a slightly different semantic range in JA's time than it does now. Anyone versed on the subject?

Also, I wonder whether the use of (what I'm assuming is) a slightly trite word like "pretty" is intended to characterise the somewhat, erm, limited mindset of both Harriet and DOMW?

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L&T question: "Pretty" Delories (3/31/2008 2:23 a.m.)

From Dr Johnson's dictionary Tarn (3/31/2008 3:40 a.m.)
Thank you for asking this because... Moni (3/31/2008 5:14 a.m.)

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