Fancy
/ˈfænsi/
Definitions
4 meaningsA liking or inclination for something, often of a specific type.
/ˈfænsi/
An inclination or liking for something.
He has a fancy for classic cars.
💡 Simply: It's like having a crush on something! You have a fancy for it when you really, really like it.
👶 For kids: When you really, really like something, like a toy or a flavor of ice cream, that's your 'fancy'.
More Examples
Her fancy is for romantic novels.
He has a sudden fancy for a cup of tea.
How It's Used
"She has a fancy for vintage clothing."
"He developed a fancy for exotic spices."
The faculty or action of imagining; imagination.
/ˈfænsi/
Something imagined or conceived of.
The artist let her fancy run wild, painting fantastical creatures.
💡 Simply: It's your imagination! Like when you're daydreaming or making up stories.
👶 For kids: Your 'fancy' is like your pretend-machine that makes up fun ideas in your head.
More Examples
He indulged his fancy by writing a science fiction story.
The novel was a product of the author's fertile fancy.
How It's Used
"The poet's fancy created a world of fantasy."
Expensive or elaborate; of superior quality.
/ˈfænsi/
Expensive, elaborate, and stylish.
They stayed in a fancy hotel with a beautiful view.
💡 Simply: It means something's extra cool and expensive-looking, like a fancy car or a fancy hotel.
👶 For kids: When something looks super special and cool, like a sparkly dress or a fancy toy, it's 'fancy'.
More Examples
He bought a fancy watch for his birthday.
The restaurant served fancy, gourmet food.
How It's Used
"She wore a fancy dress to the gala."
"They dined at a fancy restaurant with a Michelin star."
To imagine or believe something; to have a feeling of liking.
/ˈfænsi/
To imagine something.
He fancied himself as the lead singer of the band.
💡 Simply: It's when you picture something in your head or you really want it.
👶 For kids: When you pretend or imagine something in your head, that's 'fancying'.
More Examples
I fancy that we'll have a good time.
She fancied a cup of tea.
How It's Used
"He fancied himself a great writer."
"She often fancied herself in a different situation."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
take a fancy to
To begin to like or feel attracted to something or someone.
"He took a fancy to the new coffee shop."
fancy that!
Used to express surprise or disbelief.
"Fancy that! I didn't expect to see you here."
From Middle English *fancie*, from Old French *fantasie* (12th century), from Latin *phantasia*, from Greek *phantasía* (“imagination, appearance”), from *phantázein* (“to make visible, display”), from *phantós* (“visible”).
Historically, 'fancy' has been used to denote imagination and personal inclination since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Imagine you have a 'fancy' for something, like a special kind of chocolate – it's what you're drawn to.