fancy
word
Definition
If something is fancy, it looks stylish, expensive, or more special than ordinary. It can also describe food, places, clothes, or events that feel formal or luxurious.
Usage & Nuances
Common in spoken English. Often slightly subjective: 'too fancy' can mean more elegant or expensive than necessary. Very common collocations include 'fancy restaurant', 'fancy clothes', and 'fancy dinner'. In British English, 'fancy' can also mean 'like' or 'want', but that is a different use.
Example Sentences
She wore a fancy dress to the party.
basic
This hotel looks fancy but it is not very expensive.
basic
You don't need to wear anything fancy—it's just a casual dinner.
natural
We had dinner at a fancy restaurant.
basic
The cake looked fancy, but it was actually easy to make.
natural
He always uses fancy words when a simple answer would do.
natural