neat
UK[niːt]US[niːt]
adj
tidy and in order; carefully arranged
adj
done or performing in a skillful and efficient way
adj
(of an alcoholic drink) served without ice or water or other mixer
adj
(informal, dated) very good; excellent
Etymology
the word 'neat' has a journey that illuminates its modern meanings of tidiness and skill. it entered middle english from anglo-norman 'neit', which itself originated from latin 'nitidus', meaning 'shining, bright, elegant'. the core semantic link is from the literal sense of a polished, gleaming appearance to the more abstract qualities of elegance, order, and admirable simplicity. this evolution reflects how a quality associated with visual cleanliness and brightness became metaphorically attached to actions and arrangements that are admirably precise and uncluttered.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the latin adjective 'nitidus' meaning 'shining, elegant', which itself comes from the verb 'nitere' meaning 'to shine'.
Examples
she keeps her desk remarkably neat.
he made a neat job of repairing the fence.
i'll have a neat whiskey, please.