pert

¹

[ purt ]

adjective

, pert·er, pert·est.

1. boldly forward in speech or behavior; impertinent; saucy.

   Synonyms: impudent, presumptuous

2. jaunty and stylish; chic; natty.
3. lively; sprightly; in good health.
4. Obsolete. clever.

PERT

²

[ purt ]

noun

1. a management method of controlling and analyzing a system or program using periodic time and money reports, often computer generated, to determine dollar and labor status at any given time.

pert.

³

abbreviation for

1. pertaining.

PERT

¹

/ pɜːt /

acronym for

1. programme evaluation and review technique

pert

²

/ pɜːt /

adjective

1. saucy, impudent, or forward
2. jaunty

   a pert little hat

3. obsolete.
   clever or brisk

Derived Forms

• ˈpertly, adverb
• ˈpertness, noun

Other Words From

• pertly adverb
• pertness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pert¹

1200–50; Middle English, aphetic variant of apert < Old French < Latin apertus open (past participle of aperīre; aperient ); in Middle English and Old French, influenced by Old French aspert < Latin expertus expert

Origin of pert²

P(rogram) E(valuation and) R(eview) T(echnique)

Word History and Origins

Origin of pert¹

C13: variant of earlier apert, from Latin apertus open, from aperīre to open; influenced by Old French aspert, from Latin expertus expert

Example Sentences

I actually prefer cabbage raw — preferably red — very, very thinly sliced and tossed with a pert vinaigrette and some sort of braised, crispy protein, but cooked cabbage is a staple for a good reason.

From Salon

She makes precise choices in pert, clever sentences.

From New York Times

Molly Irelan’s costumes, with period cuts, vivid fabrics and sparkling touches, further the opera’s mood of pert pastiche.

From New York Times

It’s a mild thing, a pert, often creamy-colored whorl of fungus that goes well with thyme sautéed in butter.

From New York Times

Sales were boosted by a national prime-time television ad campaign in which a disorganized young man bumps into a pert young woman at the library, knocking her Trapper to the floor.

From Washington Post