kempt

English

Etymology

Originally a past participle of Old English cemban (“to comb”). Modern uses are back-formations from the negative unkempt.

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.

Synonyms

• well-groomed