fancy
To like, want, or imagine something; also used as an adjective meaning elaborate or high-quality.
Definitions
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1
(verb) To feel a desire or liking for something or someone.
“She really fancies a slice of chocolate cake right now.”
She really wants/desires a slice of chocolate cake right now.
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2
(adjective) Elaborate, decorative, or of higher quality than usual.
“They booked a table at a very fancy restaurant downtown.”
They booked a table at a very elaborate/upscale restaurant downtown.
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3
(verb) To imagine or believe something, often without strong evidence.
“He fancied himself a great musician, though few agreed.”
He imagined/believed himself to be a great musician, though few agreed.
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4
(noun) A passing feeling of liking or attraction; a whim.
“Her sudden fancy for painting led her to buy art supplies.”
Her sudden whim/liking for painting led her to buy art supplies.
Conjugation
Present
| I | fancy |
| you | fancy |
| he/she/it | fancies |
| we | fancy |
| they | fancy |
Past Simple
| I / you / he / we / they | fancied |
Future
| I / you / he / we / they | will fancy |
Present Perfect
| I / you / we / they | have fancied |
| he/she/it | has fancied |
Word forms
- Plural
- fancies (noun)
- Usage
- As an adjective, comparative: fancier; superlative: fanciest.
The verb sense of "fancy" meaning "to desire or like" is more common in British English (e.g., "Do you fancy a cup of tea?"). In American English, "want" or "like" is typically used instead. The adjective sense ("fancy restaurant") is common in both varieties.