fancy
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1fan·cy
transitive verb \ˈfan(t)-sē\fan·ciedfan·cy·ing
Definition of FANCY
1
: to have a fancy for : like
2
: to form a conception of : imagine <fancy our embarrassment>
3
a : to believe mistakenly or without evidence b : to believe without being certain <she fancied she had met him before>
4
: to visualize or interpret as <fancied myself a child again>
Examples of FANCY
- Which horse do you fancy in the Derby?
- <try to fancy, if you can, our mother on an elephant when she was touring India>
First Known Use of FANCY
14th century
2fancy
noun plural fancies
Definition of FANCY
1
a : a liking formed by caprice rather than reason : inclination <took a fancy to the mutt> b : amorous fondness : love
3
archaic : fantastic quality or state
4
a : imagination especially of a capricious or delusive sort b : the power of conception and representation used in artistic expression (as by a poet)
6
a : devotees of some particular art, practice, or amusement b : the object of interest of such a fancy; especially : 1boxing
See Examples of FANCY
- His plans to build a new stadium are the product of pure fancy.
- Critics have dismissed his plan as mere fancy.
Origin of FANCY
Middle English fantasie, fantsy imagination, image, illusion, preference, from Anglo-French fantasie illusion, from Latin phantasia, from Greek, appearance, imagination, from phantazein to present to the mind (middle voice, to imagine), from phainein to show; akin to Old English gebōned polished, Greek phōs light
First Known Use: 15th century
3fancy
adjectivefan·ci·erfan·ci·est
Definition of FANCY
1
: dependent or based on fancy : whimsical
2
a (1) : not plain : ornamental <a fancy hairdo> (2) : swanky 2, posh <a fancy restaurant> b (1) : of particular excellence or highest grade <fancy tuna> (2) : impressive <posted some fancy numbers> c of an animal or plant : bred especially for bizarre or ornamental qualities that lack practical utility
3
: based on conceptions of the fancy <fancy sketches>
4
a : dealing in fancy goods b : extravagant <paying fancy prices>
5
: executed with technical skill and style <fancy footwork> <fancy diving>
Examples of FANCY
- He drives a big, fancy car.
- <we're having a little get-together after the concert—nothing fancy>
First Known Use of FANCY
1646
Related to FANCY
- Synonyms
- complex, complicated, detailed, elaborate, intricate, involved, sophisticated
- Antonyms
- no-frills, simple, unfancy, unsophisticated
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