Etymology

Fancy arises in late Middle English as a contraction of fantasy.
From Old French and Early French fantasie, itself from the , , which originated from the Greek phantazein (phan. to render visible).
Related words include diaphanous (transparent), epiphany (manifestation).

The noun fancy can usually still be replaced with the older word fantasy without any change of meaning.

Noun

1. The imagination; an imagined image.

   The film rose from Stephen's fancy.

2. A whim.

   I had a fancy to learn to play the flute.

3. Love or amorous attachment.

   He took a fancy to her.

4. Any sport or hobby pursued by a group.

   Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot.

5. The enthusiasts of such a pursuit.

   He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident.

Adjective

1. Decorative.

   This is a fancy shawl.

2. Of a superior grade.

   This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly.

3. Executed with skill.

   He initiated the game winning play with a fancy, deked saucer pass to the winger.

4. Unnecessarily complicated.

   I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas.

Verb

1. To appreciate without jealousy or greed.

   I fancy your new car, but I like my old one just fine.

2. would like to

   I fancy a burger tonight for dinner

   Do you fancy going to town this weekend?

   Fancy that! I saw Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy kissing in the garden.

3. To be sexually attracted to.

   I fancy that girl over there.

4. To imagine.

   I fancy you'll want something to drink after your long journey