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, comb.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kɛm(p)t/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

  Rhymes: -ɛmpt

Adjective

kempt

1. (now humorous) Neat and tidy; especially used of hair.
   • 1907, Barbara Baynton, edited by Sally Krimmer and Alan Lawson, Human Toll (Portable Australian Authors: Barbara Baynton), St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, published 1980, page 189:

     For a moment Boshy thought his senses were playing up with him, for there in the door entrance stood the identical girl - the same turkey-egg complexion, stubby nose, and her red hair only changed from unkempt to kempt.

   • 1982, Michael Blodgett, Captain Blood, page iii. 342:

     He could see her now: middle-aged, gray hair, well kempt, European-looking.

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

• well-groomed

Related terms

• ill-kempt