Words / B2

FANS-ee/ˈfænsi/

Fancy is a very British verb: fancy a tea; fancy doing something = would like to. It also means imagine, or find someone attractive. As an adjective: fancy dress; a fancy hotel (decorated / expensive). Want is the plain twin. Few candidates fancy a January resit. Do not write “I fancy that” in a formal essay if you mean “I think”.

Meaning

To want or like (UK); also to imagine, or to think someone is attractive.

Examples

• “Few candidates fancy a January resit after the winter mocks.”
• “Fancy dress is banned in the hall, which is the costume adjective.”

Good to know

fancy + -ing; fancy a + noun (UK). Adjective: fancy dress / a fancy hotel. Formal essays: prefer think / wish. Informal UK speech.

Near in meaning

want

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