pretty/prettily

按照 CGEL 的说法,副词 pretty 一般用作减弱语,即从一定的标准出发,在程度上有所减弱,其意义相当于 rather, fairly,既可用于修饰使人产生好感的词语,也可以修饰使人产生恶感的词语:pretty clean, pretty dirty。

1. I'm pretty certain she enjoys it. 我有点儿相信她会喜欢它的。

2. She was in pretty good health; only a little tired. (Bennet) 她的健康情况还是不错的；只是有点疲劳。

CGEL 同时指出, pretty, 如同 fairly 与 rather 一样, 也可以用作形容词和副词的强化语:

1. She is $\left\{\begin{array}{l} fairly \\ pretty \\ rather \end{array}\right\}$ tall. 她个头儿很高。

2. She drives $\left\{ \begin{array}{l} \text{fairly} \\ \text{pretty} \\ \text{rather} \end{array} \right\}$ fast. (CGEL § 7.56) 她车开得很快。

3. The traffic is moving pretty slowly. (LEG) 车辆跑得很慢。

4. This work of yours is a pretty poor effort. You'd better do it again. (LDCE) 你这件工作做得很差,最好再做一次。