tidy

To be tidy means to be neat, orderly, and well organized. A tidy room is not just clean; it is arranged in a clear, sensible way, with things put in the right place. You might ask someone to "tidy up" their bedroom, meaning they should put things away and make the room look presentable. It can also describe a person who usually keeps things neat and in order. Think of a librarian carefully shelving books: that is tidiness in action.

The word "tidy" describes a state of being neat, orderly, and well organized. It goes beyond simply being clean; it suggests that things have been arranged with care, so everything is in its proper place. A tidy desk is not just free of clutter; the papers are stacked neatly, the pens are where you expect them to be, and the whole space feels under control.

You can also tidy something up, meaning to put it in order. "I need to tidy the garden before guests arrive" suggests picking things up, trimming what needs attention, and generally making the place look presentable. It can describe someone's character too: a "tidy person" usually keeps their surroundings neat and likes things to stay in order.

In another sense, especially in British English, "tidy" can describe a fairly large or pleasing amount, often of money. You might hear someone talk about a "tidy sum" or a "tidy profit." In that use, the word does not mean perfectly exact or beautifully arranged; it means the amount is enough to make an impression.

So, whether you are describing a neat room, an organized person, or a nicely large amount of money, "tidy" carries the idea of order, good condition, or something pleasantly satisfactory.