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kempt. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
kempt, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
kempt in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
kempt you have here. The definition of the word
kempt will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
kempt, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Originally a past participle of kemb, from Middle English kemben, from Old English cemban (“to comb”). Modern uses are back-formations from the negative unkempt. More at kemb, comb.
Pronunciation
Adjective
kempt
- (now humorous) Neat and tidy; especially used of hair.
1907, Barbara Baynton, edited by Sally Krimmer and Alan Lawson, Human Toll (Portable Australian Authors: Barbara Baynton), St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, published 1980, page 189:For a moment Boshy thought his senses were playing up with him, for there in the door entrance stood the identical girl - the same turkey-egg complexion, stubby nose, and her red hair only changed from unkempt to kempt.
1982, Michael Blodgett, Captain Blood, page iii. 342:He could see her now: middle-aged, gray hair, well kempt, European-looking.
Usage notes
Less common than unkempt. Often used in compound well-kempt or phrase “well kempt”, which may be criticized as redundant; compare well-groomed, well-kept.
Synonyms