cute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is attractive, endearing, or charming, often in a playful or innocent way. Example: "The puppy was so cute that everyone in the park stopped to take a picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not cute".

The New York Times

There are numerous galleries and shops and a cute little music hall called De Badcuyp, which is perhaps the best example of the district's transformation.

The Guardian - Travel

At this point Emilie does a remarkable thing: she changes languages, from French to Flemish to English, and as she does so her body language changes and she is no longer the elfin Parisian gamine but morphs almost into a sort of Englishwoman – less self-consciously cute and man-pleasing and a bit more real.

The Guardian - Film

It was a cute line, but one peddling an outdated image.

The Guardian - Sport

There were even rules outlining how "cute" members' avatars had to be, the precedent set by the hard-rocking piglet himself.

The Guardian - Books

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.24pm BST23 24 ET24: Ozil tries to pick out Thomas Muller with a cute pass into space on the left side of the Algeria penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

But they're not as cute as they look, you know.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

JACKIE COOGAN 1914-1984 (USA) Big break: The Kid (1921) A short life: As the cute kid in the big cap alongside Chaplin in The Kid, Coogan became massive internationally at the age of six.

The Guardian - Film

Amy made it clear that she wasn't there to be cute.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I came up from Paris, only an hour away by fast train, and stepping off at the cute 19th-century gare de la ville the first things I noticed were the red brick, the trams and a dank sky.

The Guardian

Contrary to the myth, Temple was not all washed up at 12, and made a fairly easy transition on screen from cute child to pretty teenager.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cute" to describe things that evoke a sense of tenderness or amusement, such as small animals, babies, or charming designs.

Common error

Avoid using "cute" in professional or academic writing where a more formal or precise adjective would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "appealing" or "charming".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "cute" primarily functions to describe something as attractive or appealing, especially in a youthful, dainty, or charming way. Ludwig indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "cute" is a versatile term used to describe something as attractive, endearing, or charming. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency in everyday language. While primarily found in neutral to informal contexts like news and media, its usage diminishes in formal academic or business settings where alternatives such as "appealing" or "charming" may be more appropriate. The phrase is particularly useful for expressing positive emotions and eliciting feelings of tenderness or amusement, and its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and wide range of applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adorable

Expresses a higher degree of endearment and charm than "cute".

charming

Indicates a pleasant and attractive quality, often associated with personality or behavior.

lovely

Suggests beauty and pleasantness, applicable to both appearance and experiences.

endearing

Describes something that inspires affection and fondness.

sweet

Implies gentleness and pleasantness, often used for personality or appearance.

attractive

A general term for something pleasing to the eye or senses.

pretty

Focuses on visual appeal, often in a delicate or graceful way.

appealing

Suggests that something is pleasing and desirable.

delightful

Conveys a sense of great pleasure and enjoyment.

winsome

Describes something that is charming and attractive in a childlike or innocent way.

FAQs

How to use "cute" in a sentence?

"Cute" is an adjective typically used to describe something that is attractive or endearing, especially in a childlike or delicate way. For example, "The puppy is so cute!" or "That's a cute dress."

What can I say instead of "cute"?

You can use alternatives like "adorable", "charming", "lovely", or "endearing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cute" in formal writing?

While "cute" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using words like "appealing" or "attractive" for a similar meaning but more professional tone.

What's the difference between "cute" and "pretty"?

"Cute" often implies a sense of youthfulness, smallness, or playfulness, while "pretty" generally refers to something visually pleasing or attractive in a more general sense. A kitten might be described as "cute", while a flower might be described as "pretty".