kempt

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.

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -ɛmpt

Adjective

kempt

  1. neat and tidy; especially used of hair

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

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