pretty well | pretty much

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase pretty well | pretty much

Meaning

You can say this instead of saying "almost" or "nearly".

For example

  • "Is the party over yet?"
    "Pretty well, but Juan and his mates are still here."

  • "Which shirt is cheaper?"
    "The prices are pretty much the same."

Note:
Also "pretty nearly" (Br English) and "pretty near" (Nth Am English)

Quick Quiz

I asked if the sausages were cooked and he said, "Pretty well." They were

a. fairly well cooked

b. almost ready to eat

c. almost perfectly cooked
a) fairly well cooked b) almost ready to eat c) almost perfectly cooked

Contributor: Matt Errey