fancy Meaning & Definition
What Does Fancy Mean?
Fancy is a noun that means The imagination. It can also mean An image or representation of anything formed in the mind. As an adjective, it means Decorative, or featuring decorations, especially intricate or diverse ones. As an adverb, it means In a fancy manner; fancily.
Fancy: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, adjective, adverb, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈfæn.si/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | aureate, puff and intricate |
| Antonyms | plain and simple |
| Plural | fancies |
| Comparative / superlative | fancier, fanciest |
| Verb forms | fancies, fancying, fancied |
Fancy Definition (Noun)
- The imagination.
- An image or representation of anything formed in the mind.
- An opinion or notion formed without much reflection.
- A whim.
I had a fancy to learn to play the flute.
- Love or amorous attachment.
- Liking.
He took a fancy to the goods in the window.
- The object of inclination or liking.
- Any sport or hobby pursued by a group.
Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot.
- The enthusiasts of such a pursuit.
He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident.
- A diamond with a distinctive colour.
- That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
- A bite-sized sponge cake, with a layer of cream, covered in icing.
a French fancy; a fondant fancy; cream fancies
- A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.
- In the game of jacks, a style of play involving additional actions (contrasted with plainsies).
- A colored neckerchief worn at prizefights to show support for a contender.
the yellow fancy; the cream fancy; the blood-red fancy
Fancy as an Adjective
- Decorative, or featuring decorations, especially intricate or diverse ones.
This is a fancy shawl.
- Of a superior grade.
This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly.
- Executed with skill.
He initiated the game-winning play with a fancy deked saucer pass to the winger.
- Unnecessarily complicated.
I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas.
- Extravagant; above real value.
Fancy as an Adverb
- In a fancy manner; fancily.
Fancy as a Verb
- To appreciate without jealousy or greed.
I fancy your new car, but I like my old one just fine.
- Would like; have a desire for.
I fancy a burger tonight for dinner.
- To be sexually, aesthetically or romantically attracted to.
I fancy that girl over there.
- To imagine, suppose.
[dated] I fancy you'll want something to drink after your long journey.
- To form a conception of; to portray in the mind.
- To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
- To breed (animals) as a hobby.
Adjective
- Decorative.
This is a fancy shawl.
Verb
- Would like
Do you fancy going to town this weekend?
- To be sexually attracted to.
I fancy that girl over there.
Synonyms of Fancy
Antonyms of Fancy
Fancy in a Sentence
I had a fancy to learn to play the flute.
He took a fancy to the goods in the window.
Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot.
the cat fancy
He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident.
a French fancy; a fondant fancy; cream fancies
the yellow fancy; the cream fancy; the blood-red fancy
This is a fancy shawl.
This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly.
He initiated the game-winning play with a fancy deked saucer pass to the winger.
It took some fancy footwork to make it happen.
I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas.
I fancy your new car, but I like my old one just fine.
I fancy a burger tonight for dinner.
Do you fancy going to town this weekend?
I fancy that girl over there.
[dated] I fancy you'll want something to drink after your long journey.
I fancy this is an error.
Fancy meeting you here!
You won't get the gig just because you fancy yourself a musician.
He took a fancy to her.
He initiated the game winning play with a fancy, deked saucer pass to the winger.
Word Forms & Grammar
fancy (plural fancies)
fancy (comparative fancier, superlative fanciest)
fancy (not comparable)
fancy (third-person singular simple present fancies, present participle fancying, simple past and past participle fancied)
Words That Rhyme With Fancy
Origin of Fancy
Origin 1: From Middle English fansy, fantsy, a contraction of fantasy, fantasye, fantasie, from Old French fantasie, from Medieval Latin fantasia, from Late Latin phantasia (“an idea, notion, fancy, phantasm”), from Ancient Greek φαντασία (phantasía), from φαντάζω (phantázō, “to render visible”),[1] from φαντός (phantós, “visible”), from φαίνω (phaínō, “to make visible”); from the same root as φάος (pháos, “light”); ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰh₂-n̥-yéti, from the root *bʰeh₂- (“to shine”). Doublet of fantasia, fantasy, phantasia, and phantasy.
Origin 2: From Middle English fancien, fantasien, fantesien, from Old French fantasier, from the noun (see above)).
Pronouncing Fancy
The standard pronunciation of fancy is /ˈfæn.si/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (fæn).
Questions People Ask About Fancy
Is fancy a noun or an adjective?
Fancy is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective, an adverb and a verb.
What is another word for fancy?
Words with a similar meaning to fancy include aureate, puff and intricate. See the full list of fancy synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of fancy?
The opposite of fancy can be expressed with words like plain and simple.
What is the plural of fancy?
The plural of fancy is fancies.
What is the past tense of fancy?
The past tense of fancy is fancied. The present participle is fancying.