preen

USAGE SUMMARY

"preen" is a correct word in written English.
It means to groom oneself or to take pride in one's own physical appearance or accomplishments. Example: She preened her hair, checking in the mirror to make sure everything was in place.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the central paradoxes of life in France is that for all the French preen themselves as the most civilised nation on Earth, they are also quickly prone to collapse into self-lacerating fits of low self-esteem.

The Guardian

Hate-crime legislation certainly gives legislators a chance to preen and feel good about the brave stance they take against "hate".

The Economist

Though he would certainly continue to preen and prance before the cameras, he might yet turn from populism towards something more practical, especially when the country's economic problems start to press upon him (see article).

The Economist

Second, it does not produce big shiny factories for politicians to preen themselves in front of.

The Economist

That choice may influence Anglo-Saxon investors, more than any effort to preen France's image.

The Economist

And it cannot help but keep closely in touch with another applicant (which falls outside the leading quintet), troublesome Slovakia, whose capital, Bratislava, is less than an hour's drive from Vienna.But as Austria's politicians preen themselves for their six months in the limelight, starting in July, their public is grumpier.

The Economist

In the interest of good neighbourliness, the church has taken care not to preen itself.

The Economist

For Mr Robb, Kosovo has been an opportunity to preen.

The Economist

If you can pray, shop, preen and socialise at the mosque, then why spend time anywhere else? Cologne's mosque will include a "secular" bazaar and restaurants to draw in non-Muslims.

The Economist

They are happy to let Spain and Luxembourg preen themselves as the only two countries to have secured yes votes in referendums.

The Economist

"LIKE elaborately plumed birds…we preen and strut and display our t-values".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preen" to describe actions related to grooming or self-admiration, whether physical or figurative.

Common error

Avoid using "preen" in contexts where genuine humility is intended. It often carries a subtle implication of vanity or self-satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preen" is as a verb, describing the act of grooming, especially by birds, or figuratively, the act of self-admiration. Ludwig examples show both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Preen, a versatile verb with both literal and figurative meanings, describes the act of grooming or self-admiration. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, from describing birds cleaning their feathers to individuals taking pride in their appearance or accomplishments. While generally neutral in register, the figurative use of "preen" can sometimes imply a critical tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is indeed correct in written English and the above JSON provides a thorough guide to understanding and using this word effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groom oneself

Focuses specifically on the act of cleaning and tidying one's appearance.

primp and preen

Emphasizes excessive or meticulous attention to one's appearance.

smarten up

Suggests a general improvement in appearance, often for a specific event.

dress up

Implies wearing formal or fancy clothing to enhance one's appearance.

show off

Shifts the focus from grooming to displaying one's attributes or accomplishments.

strut one's stuff

Highlights a confident and perhaps boastful display of oneself.

take pride in one's appearance

Broadens the scope to include a general sense of self-respect and care for one's looks.

fluff one's feathers

A more figurative way to describe preparing or making oneself more presentable.

spruce up

Indicates making oneself or something neater and more attractive.

make oneself presentable

Focuses on achieving a suitable appearance for a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "preen" in a sentence?

You can use "preen" to describe grooming behavior, as in "The bird preened its feathers", or to describe someone taking excessive pride in their appearance or achievements.

What's the difference between "groom" and "preen"?

"Groom" is a more general term for cleaning and tidying, while "preen" often implies a more meticulous or even vain attention to appearance.

Is it correct to use "preen" to describe someone taking pride in their accomplishments?

Yes, "preen" can be used figuratively to describe someone showing off or taking excessive pride in their achievements.

What can I say instead of "preen" when talking about someone's appearance?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "groom oneself", "dress up", or "smarten up".