The oxford dictionary describes it as follows:

Pretty = 1. attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful. 2. used ironically to express displeasure: he led me a pretty dance.

Beautiful= 1. very pleasing to the senses or mind aesthetically. 2. of a very high standard; excellent.

So there IS a difference in the meaning of these two words..

One of my ex bf describes it this way:

Pretty= externally pleasing to the eye
Beautiful= beauty that is radiating from within

So one has indeed a "deeper" meaning as the other.. however in life, how many of us do look beyond the surface or "prettiness" and take time to appreciate the "beauty" of things of even people?

In my definition, being pretty is short term and ever changing while beauty is eternal.. The classic Eg. will be to see your wife 30 years down the road.. chances of her being described as a "pretty young thing" is close to 0, but there is a good chance that she can be complimented for being such a "beautiful woman"..

How many of us are just spending time trying to look "pretty" externally instead of building up the "beauty" of your inner self?

Or is it how the world percieves us that will make a difference? Do you truly believe that you CAN be beautiful and not just pretty from the outside?

What is your definition of these words? Are you just a pretty face or have beauty that truly radiates from within?
I choose to pursue the latter..